Eagles Continue to Impress in Grinnell
(Grinnell, IA) - The Eagles took the course in Grinnell, IA to give the men their first chance at qualifying for NCCAA Nationals, while the women ran their first 6k of the year.
The Faith men's and women's cross country teams raced in the Les Duke Invitational, looking to build momentum from their fantastic start to the season.
The women ran a longer distance as they took part in their first 6k of the season over the weekend. Carlie Blevins once again had a great showing, posting a final time of 24:14.2 and placing 8th overall. With this time, Carlie has set a new school record for the top 6k time, breaking the record previously set by Wendy Busenitz in 2016. Rounding out the top 5 for the Eagles were Becca Hulinsky (27:14.3), Lydia Mueller (29:52.4), Karynna Ward (31:52.7), and Alees Stephens (32:58.4). Elizabeth Beenken (33:22.8) and Tina Lange (38:34.5) both posted solid times, and Jenessa Anderson made her season debut with a time of 38:46.8. Today's 6k serves as a tuneup and challenge for the Eagles as they look towads NCCAA Nationals at the end of the season.
The Men's race gave Faith their first opportunity to qualify for Nationals as they ran an 8k for the first time this season. Owen Festler and Titus Loween both qualified for Nationals with times of 33:11.6 and 33:37.8 respectively. Ben Hackley (36:57.2) and Ethan Smith (37:09.2) set their first 8k benchmarks of the season. With only four participants in the Men's race, they were unable to qualify as a team this week but will look to do so moving forward.
Up Next: Faith Cross Country will run in the Grand View Viking Invitational in Ankeny, IA on Saturday, September 11st at 10:30 AM (Women), and 11:15 AM (Men).
