Eagles Qualify Two More For Nationals at Viking Invitational

ANKENY, Iowa—The Eagles qualified two more runners for the NCCAA Cross Country National Championships at the Viking Invitational in front of numerous friends and family who made the short drive to DMACC's campus in Ankeny. Kristin Yuan and Caressa Kluver both qualified for the women, joining Conrad Lobb, David Loveall, and Jeremy Kamberger, who met the criteria earlier this season.

"The only thing we could find to complain about on Saturday morning was the heavy dew on the grass getting our feet wet while warming up," said Coach Long. "God gave us a gorgeous day with sun and mid-sixties weather to run in."

The women were able to secure a team score as senior Kristin Yuan had the weekend off of soccer and was able to compete with the rest of the XC team.  Yuan led the way for the Lady Eagles with a time of 23:07 and freshman Caressa Kluver wasn't far behind with a 23:54. The rest of the women's team ran well also, with sophomore Valerie Busenitz running a fantastic time of 26:36, freshman Jeannie Wilkinson with a time of 29:26, and sophomore MaryAnn Hendrickson completing the 5k course in 30:45.

The three men all ran together until around the third mile, then the freshmen Conrad Lobb and David Loveall picked up the pace and finished together in 31:13.  Senior Jeremy Kamberger ran well also, completing the 8k course in 32:47.

"We had a great time praising the Lord for the ability to run, and were thankful for the opportunity to use those talents for His honor and glory," said Coach Long. "Thank you to the many, many family and friends who came out to cheer on the teams!"