Rock Island, ILLINOIS—The men's and women's cross country teams traveled to Rock Island, Illinois, today for the Augustana Interregional Invitational. A few runners from each team also stayed close to home, previewing the SAA Conference Championship course at Southwestern University. In their first test against a slew of nationally ranked Division III competition in Illinois, both teams exceeded expectations.
The men raced first in the Gold division 8k against 13 nationally ranked teams in the field of 36. A story that's been played out at every meet this season was told once again: the Tigers' strength was in their tight-knit top pack and depth. Eli Bliss led the way in 134th with a PR of 26:10, followed by four Tigers with an exceptionally low spread of 16 seconds. The men finished 25th, just 20 points behind nationally ranked Otterbein University.
The women raced next in the Gold division 6k, leaving with a result that surprised everyone but themselves. Eleven nationally ranked teams entered the race's field of 40, which did not include the Tigers, who came in just outside of the top 30.
Gianna Keena led the way with her 22nd-place finish in 22:20, followed by
Avery Hand in 60th with a PR of 23:02 and
Josette Gurule in 65th with a SB of 23:05. The Tigers finished in 10th place, besting two of the aforementioned nationally ranked teams. Their performance could also have implications in the regional rankings, as the Tigers finished ahead of UC Santa Cruz, previously ranked second in the West region.
The Tigers also had runners in the women's Blue division 6k and in the men's open 8k, showcasing their depth against more solid competition. The women were led by Mattie Jones, who finished 29th in a time of 24:07. They finished sixth, once again besting two nationally ranked teams.
The men showed out in the open race, putting three Tigers in the top five and four in the top 20. Nicholas Hutchinson finished second in a PR of 26:39, followed by
Trevor Kuhlman in third with a SB of 26:57 and
Sebastian Langer in fifth in 27:10. Illinois was also treated to a special guest appearance of Trinity alum and assistant coach
Ben Whittemore, who took the win in 26:37.
Back home in Texas, the Tigers held their own on a tough course they'll see again in two weeks. The men raced first, led by
Varun Vepa in 21st with a PR of 28:13, leading Trinity to a third-place finish.
Esperanza Vazquez led the women to a fourth-place finish with her time of 25:11 for 11th place.
Both teams will travel to Georgetown in two weeks for the SAA Conference Championships, competing in their new conference for the first time. Both teams will be looking to dethrone the reigning champion, Berry College.
