ASHLAND, Neb. -- The John Brown University men's cross country team placed eighth out of 26 teams at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic, posting the fastest team time ever (2:08:13) at Mahoney State Park on Saturday morning (Oct. 25).
Sophomore Samuel Burkett led the Blue and Gold in the 341-runner field, running 25:07 (12th) over the 8,000-meter course and recording the fourth-fastest time in program history. Freshman Payton Brack crossed the line six seconds later at 25:13 (16th), posting the sixth-fastest time ever.
"We've always been proud of our student-athletes, but today was one of those days that was especially fun," head coach Peter Cunningham admitted of the historic performance. "This was a monumental day for our men's team. With a team average of 25:35 and a total time of 2:08, our guys beat several teams receiving national votes, and that team average and total time will serve us well in the pursuit of an at-large bid to nationals."
JBU's scoring was completed by senior Chase Schermer clocking in at 25:24 (24th), freshman Ian Sustaita Garcia posting 26:07 (63rd) and junior Zach Briscoe finishing in 26:20 (76th), giving the Golden Eagles a 1:13 spread among its top five runners. Burkett, Brack, Sustaita Garcia and Briscoe each set personal records.
Rounding out John Brown's top seven were junior Henry Zedler placing 95th in 26:43 and sophomore Gabriel Pelkey hitting the tape at 26:52 (108th). Both also set personal records.
"The coaching staff has been telling both teams all season what we know they're capable of," assistant coach Ben Ledbetter said of the team's mental approach and execution. "When rough races happen, it can be hard for athletes to believe us, but both groups raced right where we've known they could be.
"Today was a day of belief, and we could see it on their faces. That look has been missing from some of our other races, but today they were hungry, attacking, and strong. The future is bright for these men and women."
St. Mary (Kan.) claimed the team title with 59 points and a team time of 2:05:31. Kalieb Redda of Columbia (Mo.) won the individual title in 24:19. College of Idaho finished second with 100 points, while Doane took third place with 109 points.
John Brown will now transition to playing host for the first time in program history as the Golden Eagles welcome the league to Pollard's Field for the Sooner Athletic Conference Championships, scheduled for the morning of Nov. 8 in Siloam Springs.
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