Tuesday, 9 September, 2008

The Pratt Community College Cross Country team travelled to Colby to open the season at the Trojan Cross Country Invitational at Meadow Lark Golf Course last Friday night. PCC ran without Jesus Perez and Josh Clodfelter due to injuries.

"Jesus has stepped up as our undisputed vocal leader this fall, said Head Coach Cyrus Hall, "and I think we really missed his leadership in Colby."

Even without Perez and Clodfelter PCC placed 4th out of 5 teams.

PCC also struggled to adjust to the new race distances in their first collegiate race, going from 3.1 miles in high school to five in college.

"Overall I'm very please with our first race,"said Hall."It went about how I envisioned it. The boys ran like freshman. They were a little wide-eyed, and they let their adrenaline get to them. They were all a little disappointed, but now we know what kind of animal we are going to be dealing with week in and week out."

Freshman Dustin Barker led the way for PCC with a 22nd place finish in a time of 30:21. Not far behind him was Skyline graduate Darryl Willard completing the race in 31:47, good enough for 25th place.

"Dustin and Darryl ran pretty well,"said Hall. "They got out a little fast, but that was to be expected for a first race. They both learned a lot about themselves in this race."

Coming in 3rd for PCC was another freshman Luke Laha in a time of 33:13. And rounding out the scoring for the Beavers were Nate Sooby and Ryan Carey.

"Now that the boys have had a chance to see and feel what it's like to run a five mile race,"said Hall, "I think we should be much improved this week. Plus, I think Jesus and Josh are going to be joining us this week which should improve our depth and leadership."

PCC will head to Lake Afton in Goddard on Friday evening for the Friends University Invitational. The race will begin at 6:45pm on the south end of the lake.