Heat Holds Back Reinhardt in Southern States Challenge
Photos Courtesy of Madison Obarsky
BLUFFTON, S.C. – (Men's Results | Women's Results) It was an unexpectedly hot day in South Carolina for the cross country teams as they both took part in the Southern States Challenge on the campus of USC-Beaufort.
The Eagles did their best on both sides – men: second out of six; women: sixth out of seven – but didn't quite get the results they anticipated due to the weather.
"Difficult day on the course for both squads as a group," head coach Jordan Turner said. "Conditions ended up pretty brutal for a late-October meet, which we were not really prepared to race fast in. We had some individuals that had some very good races regardless of that, so I'm pleased with those efforts that stood out."
The men's team put itself in a position to beat Southeastern (Fla.) – the top team in the Sun Conference – but didn't win the head-to-heads when it was needed. About 5K in, Reinhardt had the Fire beat on the course by a couple of points, but the Eagles let that slip the last 3K.
"Three weeks is conference and we don't want the same outcome with some teams that are going to be in the battle for a high team finish at conference," Turner said. "We haven't put it together with everyone having a good day together, but we will have two more chances to figure that out. Salvador ran a really strong race to lead us in 26:43. David and Parker put in lifetime-best efforts to help us be in position for the win."
The ladies were able to put together another solid effort on the course, and much like the men, the women have yet to put an effort together where everyone is at their best on the same day.
"It will happen for this group by the end of the year and I'm excited to see how well they do when it does," Turner said. "Carly ran a very smart race and moved up well within the field. Jillian had a great day coming off an injury and set a personal record in her return for us."
The hometown team now looks ahead to hosting the Reinhardt Invitational on Friday evening at Boling Park in Canton, Ga.
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For more information on Reinhardt Men's Cross Country, please click here, and Reinhardt Women's Cross Country here.