Pete Richert, an All-Conference performer his freshman year, competed in his first race since suffering a life-altering injury in Iraq.
?This race was a huge step in the journey back for Pete,? coach Karol Hunt said. ?It took a lot of determination on his part to run with competitive college runners, and I am really proud of Pete and what he did today.?
(For more on Pete Richert, see page 1A.)
All told, 233 runners ran, with 126 men completing the 8-kilometer course and 107 finishing the 5-kilometer women?s course.
Addison (16th, 20:09) paced the women for the second straight race. Liz Kleinsasser (25th, 20:28) finished hot on her heels, and four Bluejays finished 23 seconds apart: Jera Teselle (48th, 21:25), Kelli Kopper (52nd, 21:44), Leah Kopper (54th, 21:47) and Carrie Schroeder (56th, 21:48).
With 181 points, the Tabor women placed between Friends (174) and Bethel (188). The Tabor men scored 273, placing 124 behind McPherson (149).
Rembolt rebounded from a tough race in Colorado to lead the men to the line in 29 minutes, 29 seconds and placing 59th. Zach Gould (60th, 29:32) finished almost literally on Remboldt?s heels, with Ric Johnson (58th, 29:49) following closely. Dan Sigley (65th, 30:16) and Justin Ball (94th, 32:24) also ran.
?As a team we are just starting to get into race shape,? coach Karol Hunt said. ?So far that process of getting into race shape is taking a little longer, but teams progress at different levels. This meet is one step toward reaching our major goal?running at our best on November 8 at the KCAC meet.?
Coming?Jock?s Nitch cross country invitational, hosted by Emporia State on Friday is Tabor?s next scheduled meet. The women run first at 5 p.m.
