TC cross country teams win third

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN ERICA FAST
The Tabor College cross country teams both finished third at the KCAC meet Saturday in Wichita. It was the highest team finish ever for the women at a conference meet and the best for the men since placing third four years ago.


“This was a good day for Tabor cross country,” coach Karol Hunt said.


The women had two runners named all-conference, Angie Jost and Karen Shearer. The teammates finished eighth and ninth, respectively.


Jost ran the course in 20 minutes 18 seconds with Shearer just two seconds behind her. As a junior, this is Shearer’s third all-conference recognition.


“Karen ran a really strong race and had her second straight season-best time,” Hunt said.


Finishing behind them were: Angela Kleinsasser, 21st in 22:02; Tia Akers, 25th in a personal-best 22:31; Esther Richert, 27th in a personal best 22:40; Jennie Throne, 37th in 23:52, which tied her personal best; and Erin Voth 40th in 24:45.


For the men, Jeremy Jost captured 10th place and earned all-conference honors. He finished the course in 27 minutes 19 seconds, his fastest time of the season.


Kevin Nickel barely missed an all-conference medal, finishing 18th in 28:33. Ryan Sperling ran a personal record in 29:07, finishing 26th overall. Derek Pridey finished 30th in 29:24 and Logan Duerksen turned in a personal-best time of 29:27, finishing 31st overall. Pete Kleinsasser competed with a foot injury, finishing the race at 49th place.


“I felt really badly for Pete,” said Hunt. “He had been having an outstanding season and was running number one for the team before sustaining a foot injury. He gutted out the race because he wanted to run his last conference meet and because he had a strong desire to finish.”


As a senior, this was Kleinsasser’s last race, and Hunt commended him for four good years of running at Tabor.


“The conference meet is what we work toward all season,” Hunt said. “All the hard work and determination paid off today. I am really proud of both teams. It’s satisfying to watch the runners be rewarded for all their efforts.”


The Bluejays will head to Lincoln, Neb., Saturday to compete in the NAIA Great Plains Regional Meet. This meet is the qualifying meet for nationals, held Nov. 17 in Kenosha, Wis.


The women will run at 10:30 a.m. and the men at 11:15 a.m.

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