SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- The John Brown University men's cross country team placed second out of nine teams at Saturday's (Oct. 11) Golden Eagle Invitational held at Pollard's Field.
Posting a team time of 2:12:18 (71 points) in the 83-runner field, the host's finish ranks as the sixth-fastest in program history.
"We were incredibly honored to host our second meet in program history," head coach Peter Cunningham noted. "I turned to Coach Ledbetter this morning and smiled as we saw nine teams come to compete, up from three last year.
"Since we are hosting the Sooner Athletic Championships later on Nov. 8, today was a great opportunity for our conference competition to preview the course."
Sophomore Samuel Burkett led the Blue and Gold with a seventh-place finish in 25:49 over the 8,000-meter course. Senior Chase Schermer crossed the line four seconds later in eighth place at 25:53, with freshman Payton Brack rounding out the top 10 in 26:01. Burkett and Brack each set personal records.
JBU's scoring was completed by freshman Ian Sustaita Garcia who posted 26:56 for 19th place and junior Josh Freeman who finished 29th in 27:37, giving the Golden Eagles a 1:48 spread among their top five runners.
Rounding out John Brown's top seven were freshman Jeremiah Briscoe who hit the tape in 31st place at 27:42, also setting a personal record, and sophomore Gabriel Pelkey who placed 32nd at 27:46.
"Our men are closing the gap with perennial conference champion, Oklahoma City," Cunningham added. "On the right day, we can beat them. November 8? We'll see. Sam, Chase, and Payton are going to be a scary trio to deal with for the rest of the season.
"We're excited to travel to Nebraska in two weeks for the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic. It'll be another good test for our top squad, and we think our best racing is still ahead."
Oklahoma City claimed the team title with 43 points and a team time of 2:09:45. Ayenew Devany of Oklahoma City (24:45) edged Tanner Bailey of College of the Ozarks (24:46) by a single second for the individual title. Mid-America Christian (Okla.) took third place with 78 points.
JBU returns to the course after a two-week hiatus on Saturday (Oct. 25) in Ashland, Nebraska at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic. The meet will take place at the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
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