LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Columbia College cross country teams traveled to E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park on Saturday for the Louisville Classic, with senior Hailey Gerard leading the Cougar women and senior Will Cherrington pacing the men in two large national fields.
Gerard led the Columbia women in the 5k, crossing 53rd overall in 18:40.4 in a field of 240 finishers as the Cougars placed 24th with 644 points. Junior Lauren Berhorst (147th), freshman Ellie Hartley (192nd), senior Xavia Cullers (202nd) and freshman Kenzie Miller (212th) rounded out the scoring five. Sophomore Nataly Gutierrez (222nd) and senior Paige Thielen (229th) followed as the sixth and seventh Cougars across the line. Marshall's Rachael Withrow won the individual title in 16:26.4, while West Texas A&M claimed the team title with 34 points, ahead of Lee (Tenn.) with 100 and East Tennessee State with 168.
On the men's side, Cherrington led Columbia in the 8k, finishing 83rd overall in 25:26.4 as the Cougars placed 22nd with 591 points. Sophomore Sean Wigger (140th), senior Ryan Brown (151st), freshman Landen Chapman (155th) and junior Blaine Brodersen (161st) rounded out the scoring five, with the five scorers finishing within 47.7 seconds of one another. Sophomore Nicky Yaros (169th) and junior Laik Graham (184th) were the next Cougars home. West Texas A&M swept the team titles, scoring 36 points, with freshman Meshack Keter winning the individual race in 23:33.4. Lee (Tenn.) was second with 47 points and North Central (Ill.) third with 159.
Women's 5K Finishes
Men's 8K Finishes
Columbia returns to action at the Blazing Tiger Classic in Ashland, Neb. on Oct. 24th.
