Lions take home both titles at Southwest Baptist Invitational
Senior distance runner Dora Eastin, who won last weekends Southwest Baptist Invitational, ran during last years Southern Stampede on Sept. 21, 2013, where she finished fourth overall. This past weekends performance earned Eastin and the Lions even more MIAA attention.
The Lions’ cross-country teams continued their supremacy over the MIAA this week as both men’s and women’s squads took home first place at the Southwest Baptist Invitational on Oct. 14.
Senior Eric Schott crossed the finish line first for his second overall win of the season, while senior Adrian Todd finished second, giving the Lions their first team win of the year.
Meanwhile, senior Dora Eastin won the overall title on the women’s side, helping her team win its second straight meet in only the third race of the year.
“It was a good win for the team this week and also for Dora Eastin individually,” said head coach Patty Vavra. “I will say that we were a bit out of sync with the meet taking place on a Tuesday. However, a win is always good, especially in this meet when we were able to preview the MIAA course and compete against a number of MIAA teams that we had not previously seen.”
Eastin was named MIAA Cross Country Athlete of the Week on Oct. 15 in recognition of her victory.
“I feel honored to be named MIAA Athlete of the Week,” said Eastin. “I am surprised, but grateful. I truly believe if it wasn’t for Christ, my team, my parents and coaches, I definitely wouldn’t have been named athlete of the week and be where I am now. The win on Tuesday was a great feeling; it’s hard work paying off.”
As for Schott, he continued his unprecedented dominion over the conference with his third MIAA Athlete of the Week award, an honor he’s won after every race he’s participated in this season.
“I mean, it’s always nice to be recognized week after week, but it also adds to the pressure,” said Schott. “As we get closer to the races that count, it not only puts a giant target on my back but also on our team’s back. Everyone knows right now that we have been running very tough, and I feel people think we are the team to beat.”
Assistant men’s and women’s coach Jamie Burnham says Schott has his eyes set on a bigger prize.
“Eric has been so dominant because he has been really focused on getting back to nationals and being an all-American,” she said.
The Lions will be back on the course tomorrow for the Jackling Jocks Invitational in Rolla for their last tune-up before the MIAA Championship on Nov. 8.
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