WEATHERFORD, Okla. – The Northwestern Oklahoma State University cross country teams hit the course for the first time in the 2018 season as the men and women competed in the Western Oklahoma Showcase, hosted by Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford.
The women’s squad finished with a team placing of fifth, ahead of fellow Great American Conference foe Southwestern, while the Ranger men finished in third place ahead of GAC member Southern Nazarene.
SNU finished ahead of the Rangers in the 2017 conference standings.
"It’s unbelievable the depth we have packaged together," said head coach Jill Lancaster on her reaction to the men's race. "It leads us to believe we can do much more."
Newcomer Garrison Blanton had a Top 10 finish in the season-opening meet as he crossed the finish line at the 20:56.71 mark. NWOSU’s other men’s transfer, Bryce Koenig, finished in the 14th spot with a 21:33.41 time.
Noble Buckhaults, a native of Buffalo, was the top freshman finisher for the Ranger men with a time of 21:38.19, and Cody Schmidt set his first collegiate mark at 22:34.10. Returner Tidimane Tumiso finished a second behind teammate Schmidt at 22:35.95.
In the women’s 4,000-meter race, a trio of Lady Rangers crossed the finish line together as senior Kayla Gourley (16:44.29), and a freshman duo of Ladasheray Bell (17:00.93) and Journey LeBeau (17.01.72) finished in consecutive order.
France native and newcomer to the NWOSU program Jessalyn Rivet had a time of 17.17.88.
Other Northwestern women finishers include: Claire Theis (17:34.07); Crystal Castillo (17:46.01); Kylee Isbell (17:54.54); Camille Lear (17:59.62); Lashayla Green (19:13.80); Jean Dodds (21:13.30).
Other men finishers include: Ben Ivory (22:37.46); Colton Reed (23:01.43); Chris Kincaid (23:07.08); Reed Nickel (24:04.24); Jose Amador (25:04.66); David Clemente (27:19.66); Christopher Chauncey (29:21.82).
The two squads will next compete in two weeks when the take part in one of the top cross country meets in the region, the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Coach Lancaster praised the work done by the young runners. "The youthfulness of the program proves to be an opportunity we will be able to capitalize as experience grows."
Other men finishers include: Ben Ivory (22:37.46); Colton Reed (23:01.43); Chris Kincaid (23:07.08); Reed Nickel (24:04.24); Jose Amador (25:04.66); David Clemente (27:19.66); Christopher Chauncey (29:21.82).
The two squads will next compete in two weeks when the take part in one of the top cross country meets in the region, the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Reader Comments(0)