Cross Country Teams Kickoff of Season in Aberdeen

The Lions cross country teams started their season on Friday night, in Aberdeen, SD. They competed in the Roe Granger Twilight Meet. For the ladies the race provided qualifying times due to the course length, but since it was only a 5k race for the men, their times became an exhibition. That did not stop both teams from showing some great things and creating excitement for the season to come.

The Lady Lions ran primarily against the Northern State Cross Country team, Chloe Thurber was the first to cross the finish line, with a time of 23:08! That time is good enough to qualify her for nationals for the 2nd straight year. The other ladies on the team came in just 4 seconds from each other. Kersten Lucas and Arianna Bigart came in at 27:50 and 27:54 respectively.

The Lions men got enjoy a shorter distance in a 5k although the times are not official there was no shortage of good times for the men. Sam Jacob was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 21:30. The following runners finished with these times, Sam Maruszewski with a time of 23:01, then Marcus Staley finishing with a 23:43, Josiah Liebe crossed at 25:40 and then Isaiah McIntosh at 28:14.

Coach Thurber thought her teams worked very hard and here is a quote on the teams, "It was a positive start to our season.  Everyone worked very hard and we are hoping to build up our fitness and racing experience to get some quicker times in the coming weeks.  The course this week was longer than it should've been, so our times were slower than expected.  NSU's team prayed with ours before the race.  It was a festive, welcoming atmosphere and we look forward to going back next year."

The Lions next meet is the Herb Blakely Invitational, in Madison, SD.

Tanner Twigg SID