DBU Cross Country has Strong Showing in Season Opener
9/3/2010 9:26:38 AM
The Patriot Cross Country Teams kicked off their season at the Midwestern State University Cross Country Stampede with a second place finish by the Women's Team, and a third place finish from the Men's Team.
The Lady Patriotws, who placed three in the top ten, lost to Midwestern State (regionally ranked #8) by a single point when the race was finished. Seniors Tabbitha Ashford and Rachel Phillips dominated the field for DBU, with Ashford finishing second overall (14:39) and Phillips in fifth (14:55). Freshman Susan Tanui finished tenth (15:27) in the first cross country meet of her career.
Rounding out the top fice scorers for the Patriots was Freshman Julie Durrwachter in 11th (15:32) and Linet Kibet in 13th (15:41).
"This was a very good opener for us," said sixth year Head Coach Jacob Phillips. "We always hate to lose, but we were able to show our one-two punch in Tabbitha and Rachel and I believe our three, four, and five ladies know what it takes to race at this level. I think we're going to improve at every meet we run. Our goal is to get to November and to the Regional Championships with a chance to get back to Nationals," he added.
The Men finished third overall, defeating Division I rival, UTA, by two points. The Men packed five within 20 seconds of each other to hold off the UTA Mavericks. Freshman Jacob Phillips and Junior Jordan Koser were the top two finishers for the Patriots as they finished within a second of each other in 16th (19:50) and 17th (19:51). Sophomore Jesse Benes (20:01), Junior John Millsap (20:05), and Junior Zach Morgan (20:09) rounded out the top five for DBU in positions 23, 24, and 27.
"Our Men ran very well tonight," said Phillips. “In fact, this is one of the best openers we've had as a program. We're still building these guys up and our focus is on November and the Conference and Regional Championships, but it was a very solid night for our Men."
The Patriots will have a short week before traveling to the University of Central Missouri to take part in the Mule Run on Friday, September 10. The meet will also serve as a Regional Preview Meet.