SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- The John Brown University men's cross country team placed second out of 10 teams at the 2025 Sooner Athletic Championships, posting the program's fastest conference championship time ever (2:11:07) at Pollard's Field on Saturday morning (Nov. 8).
Sophomore Sam Burkett led the Blue and Gold in the 84-runner field, running 25:32 (5th) over the 8,000-meter course and recording the second-fastest time in program history at the conference meet. Burkett's finish also secured his qualification for the NAIA National Championships as one of the conference's top four runners not on the championship team.
"The Bible says to 'rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn,'" head coach Peter Cunningham said of the bittersweet finish. "There is much to rejoice in as most of our runners wrap up their season. We rejoice with Sam as he qualifies for nationals individually. We also rejoice in the months of tiring training and early mornings. Our athletes lean into so much discipline and embrace pain. I'm so proud of them, and I love them so much."
Senior Chase Schermer crossed the line one second later at 25:33 (6th), posting the third-fastest JBU time at the Sooner Athletic Championships. Freshman Payton Brack clocked in at 25:59 (9th), recording the sixth-fastest time in program history at the conference meet.
Burkett, Schermer and Brack were named to the All-Conference team for their respective top-15 finishes. Cunningham was also voted as the men's cross country Coach of the Year for the Golden Eagles' performance.
JBU's scoring was completed by junior Zach Briscoe placing 20th in 26:51 and freshman Ian Sustaita Garcia finishing in 27:08 (24th), giving the Golden Eagles a 1:36 spread among its top five runners.
The 2:11:07 team time ranks as the second-fastest in program history, trailing only the record-setting 2:08:13 posted at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic two weeks earlier. John Brown's second-place team finish is also its best finish in program history.
"The mourning comes from high hopes unrealized," added Cunningham. "In the wake of race day, many conversations steer toward the idea that it is 'a privilege to be let down.' This year, our athletes put themselves in position to expect a championship. We missed it by one spot.
"Dreaming is a vulnerable pursuit because you're in danger of mourning. Jesus is king in the highs and the lows. Hopefully, we all learn how to carry both high and low emotions as we continue to praise the Lord on his throne."
Rounding out John Brown's top seven were junior Joshua Freeman crossing in 26th place at 27:13 and freshman Daniel Ogomo hitting the tape at 27:22 (29th).
Oklahoma City claimed the team title with 39 points (2:08:50). The Stars' Ayenew Devany (24:50) edged College of the Ozarks' Tanner Bailey (24:51) by one second for the individual title.
Burkett will represent the Blue and Gold at the 70th Annual NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championships on Nov. 21 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla. The men's 8,000-meter race is scheduled for an 8:30 a.m. start.
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