CRCXC: Comin’ in Hot

CRCXC: Comin' in Hot- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 9-24-23

St. Louis, MO- An angry sun, a cloudless sky, a shadeless course, a late start, and 90-degree temps with humidity took their toll on the cross-country competitors Saturday in St. Louis at the Gorlok-Griffin Invitational. By the time the ladies' race began at 11:30 A.M., "Imagine running in a wool sweater," said Coach Shannon Beasley, skipper of the CRC Pioneers men's and women's teams. "The folks running the hardest might have been the medics," seeing to overheated runners.

Coach Beasley was very proud of how his Pioneers pushed through the harsh conditions. Tre Johnson, junior, Jackson, MS, slipped just outside the top 20, finishing 21st. Nathan Hunter, freshman, West Memphis, AR, and Brady Minix, freshman, Akron, IN, finished strong in 36th and 37th place, respectively.

Taylin Green, freshman, Bald Knob, AR, running her usual strong race, was in the lead pack for the majority of the 5K race and almost broke into the top 10, crossing the line in a fantastic 14th place finish. Sami Tonkery, sophomore, Zanesville, OH, managed to overcome an injured knee and the hottest part of the day and almost finished top 20, placing 24th.

"Another strong showing by this hard-working squad!" Coach Beasley stated. He is excited about the remaining meets and the upcoming conference championship in Lawrence, KS. After a week off of racing, the Pioneers will head to the Ozark mountains next for a fun, hilly meet at the University of the Ozarks on Saturday, October 7. #GOPIONEERS