BETHANY, Okla. -- The John Brown University men's cross country team delivered a strong performance at the Sooner Athletic Conference Championships on Saturday morning (Nov. 9) at Eldon Lyon Park, placing third among 11 teams in a competitive field of 85 runners.
Oklahoma City University claimed the team title with 21 points, led by senior Evert Silva, who secured the individual championship in 24:36.6. Wayland Baptist followed with 54 points (2:09:16) to finish second.
The Golden Eagles posted a team score of 77 points, with a team time of 2:12:09 and a 1-5 split of 2:15.
"Coach Ledbetter and I couldn't ask for more from our men's team as they put in the necessary work to grow as a team and continue to cultivate a fun and united team culture," head coach Peter Cunningham noted.
Junior Chase Schermer led the way for the Golden Eagles, finishing sixth overall in 25:11.6, earning All-Conference honors and an individual berth to the NAIA National Championships. His time was also a new personal record.
"Chase ran a nearly perfect race tactically," added Cunningham. "His top priority was to be the first non-Oklahoma City runner. His conservative opening 2-kilometer loop and incredibly strong next two loops put him in perfect position to close on a runner who got out too fast. His intelligence as a runner is fun to watch. He was just seven seconds behind his goal, but now he's qualified for his first-ever opportunity to run at the national meet. We're incredibly excited for him."
Freshman Sam Burkett also delivered a standout performance, finishing 14th in 26:13.5 to earn All-Conference honors in his first postseason race.
"Sam showed massive maturity to not crumble under the weight of his first postseason race," Cunningham noted.
Rounding out the Golden Eagles' scoring were sophomore Zach Briscoe (16th, 26:26.9), senior Josiah Petak (21st, 26:50.9), and sophomore Henry Zedler (26th, 27:26.3).
Schermer will now represent the Golden Eagles at the NAIA National Championships, scheduled for Friday (Nov. 22) in Columbia, Mo. at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course.
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