COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The John Brown University men's cross country team finished eighth overall out of 21 competing teams at the Larry Young Invitational, hosted by Columbia College (Mo.) at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course on Friday evening (Sept. 20).
The Golden Eagles compiled a team score of 235 points in the 8,000-meter race, finishing with a total time of 2:18:24 and an average time of 27:40. Despite facing strong competition, the Golden Eagle harriers exhibited depth and consistency, with a 1-5 split time of 1:38, a testament to the pack-running strategy.
"We brought our top seven runners to this race to preview this year's National Championship course," head coach Peter Cunningham noted. "We knew other teams would do the same, so we also gained quality competition. I'm proud of how the men executed the race plan, and I appreciate hearing them say they aren't satisfied and want more.
"Chase set the pace for the pack of seven men for the first half of the race and was then released to race individually. I'm proud of his leadership and effort. I also value witnessing our pack of runners encourage and support Henry, who was disappointed with his performance today. We have the best teammates."
Leading the way for JBU was junior Chase Schermer, who finished 25th overall in the field of 217 runners with a time of 26:52.4. Schermer set the pace for the Golden Eagles, placing himself in the top quarter of the field early on and maintaining his position throughout the race. Following closely behind was sophomore Zach Briscoe, who placed 36th with a time of 27:18.7. Briscoe kept a steady pace alongside Schermer for much of the course, securing a solid finish just outside the top 30.
Freshman Sam Burkett continued his strong start to the season, finishing 44th in 27:30.6. Junior Matthew Cook crossed the line in 28:12.7, earning 69th place. Senior Drew Janzen rounded out the scoring for JBU, finishing 84th with a time of 28:30.6.
"The men entered the meet with their focus on race strategy," admitted assistant coach Ben Ledbetter. "We knew the heat would be challenging for teams, so we took advantage of that. We worked from the back of the pack with control and composure. With each kilometer, we moved one or more places toward the front. In the first kilometer, we were in 17th place, and we finished eighth overall. A great day for the entire team."
The race was won by The Master's (Calif.), who posted an impressive team score of 19 points and a total time of 2:06:35, with an average individual time of 25:19. The team also secured five top-seven finishes, including the overall individual title by junior Jack Anderson, who completed the 8-kilometer course in 24:36.9.
Campbellsville (Ky.) followed in second place with 60 points, while host Columbia rounded out the top three teams with 161 points.
The Master's set the standard early in the race, with Jack Anderson pulling away from the field to secure the individual title in 24:36.9. The Mustangs locked down the top team position by sweeping key early places, including three runners in the top five: Connor Ybarra (25:16.5) in third and Nate Day (25:30.2) in fourth.
The Golden Eagles return to action Saturday (Sept. 28) at the annual Chile Pepper Festival, hosted at the University of Arkansas' Agri Park.
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