Cross Country Continues to Improve as 2020 Moves Along
Women's Photo Courtesy of Madison Obarsky
SWANNANOA, N.C./OAKWOOD, Ga. – (Men's Results | Women's Results) It was a rare day in cross country on Saturday as the Eagles were able to split their squads and race within minutes of each other in two different states.
The men's team was stationed in Swannanoa, N.C., in the Montreat XC Fall Classic/AAC Preview and went up against four others from the conference – finishing third – with a total time of 2:21:19.
"The men had an up-and-down day at the AAC Preview meet," head coach Jordan Turner said. "Our goal for this race was to get a look at the course and not be the aggressors on the course today. We had nothing to gain by showing our hand today, but will be better in one month's time on this same course. This was our first real attempt at a raceable 8K course this year, so we took some lumps not having as many reps as Milligan and Montreat. More races will help this group and the next two weeks will be even better for all of them.
"Braden ran really well to lead us and is in good position to have a high finish at conference. David, Brody, Salvador, Parker, Taylor, Chris and Alex all continue to improve each week, and to have them all being interchangeable at various spots will help late in the year."
Back across the state line in Georgia, the women lined up in the UNG Invitational and came across the line collectively in eighth place at 1:51:46.
"Thankful for Robert, who was able to step in and help the women's team with everything at their meet," Turner said. The ladies continue to show improvement, and all had season bests in their races today. Only running our second meet of the year is strange for the middle of October, but these ladies continue to impress me. It's been great to see our top three develop together and will only get better towards the conference meet.
"Pam ran one of her best races in a couple of years and I'm happy to see her running well. Sarah T and Sara F. continue to push each other and drop time in practices and meets. Once we get a couple more girls back from some health issues, we should be able to make that move into the top half of the conference."
Both the men and women now look ahead to the Southern States Challenge in South Carolina on Oct. 24.
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For more information on Reinhardt Men's Cross Country, please click here, and Reinhardt Women's Cross Country here.