Cross Country Gets Feet Wet at Central Meet

The first cross country meet of the season was run on what is arguably the most difficult course the cross country team will see all season. The Central College course has several challenging hills.

Following a 30-minute lightning delay, the women's 5k race was first. Freshman Caressa Kluver led the way for the Eagles with a time of 26:05, followed by freshman Jeannie Wilkinson (32:40) and sophomore MaryAnn Hendrickson (35.19).

The men were up next, running a 6k, which is shorter than the usual 8k races. Freshman Conrad Lobb ran a great race, finishing with a time of 22:40. Senior Jeremy Kamberger wasn't far behind, coming across the line in 24:11. Freshman David Loveall sat out this race due to shin splints, but the team is hopeful that he will be able to race this coming weekend.

While the difficult course made the times slower, it was a good race to get under their belts and charge forward to this Saturday's race at Grinnell College.  The distances will be longer, with the ladies running a 6k and the men running an 8k, so it will be fun to see how the long practice runs help with the needed endurance.