ASHLAND, Neb. -- Seven Golden Eagles set new personal records, and junior Chase Schermer's top-50 individual finish helped the John Brown University men's cross country team to a season-best team time and a 15th place finish at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic at the Mahoney State Park on Saturday morning (Oct. 26).
Four of John Brown five scorers set new personal records on the fast course that featured 339 runners from across the country in the 8,000-meter race, which featured nine programs either ranked in the top-25 or receiving votes.
Additionally, the harriers combined for a total time of 2:11:58, which averaged out to 26:23 per runner. The effort tied for the second-fastest time in program history, last set by the team at the 2022 Sooner Athletic Championships. John Brown's collective effort resulted in a 392-point finish, placing the team firmly within the top 15.
The College of Idaho dominated both the team and individual competitions, claiming the first overall team spot with a cumulative time of 2:02:39 (31 points), averaging 24:31 per runner. The Yotes were led by senior Daniel Butler, who crossed the finish line as the individual champion with an impressive time of 23:56.1. Saint Mary's (Kan.) followed in second place with 69 points, and Dordt (Iowa) secured third with 113 points.
For the fourth time in as many appearances, Schermer again led the squad with a 43rd place finish overall. Schermer clocked in at 25:40.7, setting a new personal record. He was followed closely by freshman Samuel Burkett, who contributed a noteworthy 75th-place finish with a personal-best time of 26:11.6. Sophomore Zach Briscoe added to the Golden Eagles' score by claiming the 96th spot in the meet with a 26:23.2 personal-best finish, followed closely by senior Josiah Petak at 26:34.6, who placed 108th.
Rounding out the scoring was senior Andrew Janzen, whose personal-best time of 27:08.1 earned him 154th place, clinching a 1-5 split of 1:28.
Riding a season-best team time, the Golden Eagles will now prepare for the 2024 Sooner Athletic Championships, scheduled for Saturday (Nov. 9) morning at Eldon Lyon Park in Bethany, Okla.
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