The Southern Stampede was another success for the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country programs, as the Men’s team placed 1st overall in Division II competition.

Junior Eric Schott was the top Division II runners with a finishing time of 24:22.58, only trailing two Division I runners from the fifth-ranked University of Arkansas.

The Lions were picked second by the MIAA preseason coaches poll behind Southwest Baptist University. In last weekend’s competition, the Lions overpowered SBU by 49 points, with a total score of 56.

Senior Jake Benton closed the gap at last weekend’s race, only allowing one runner between him and Schott, as Benton finished with a time of 24:40.51.

“I felt really strong throughout the entire thing,” said Benton. “It was a personal record for the course, which was nice since it was the last home race of my career. Also Eric and I ran about as fast as we were at the end of last season. It’s nice to know we’re starting where we left off.”

Schott and Benton improved from last year’s Stampede as they cut down their times on the MSSU Cross Country Course. Last year, Schott ran the course in 25:08.35 and Benton ran it in 25:43.49.

Junior Colton Wooldridge ran a strong race placing 18th, coming in at  25:35.99. Sophomore Nathan Henry places 25th with a time of 25:51.99, and freshman Tyler Rush placed 32rd with a time of 25:59.35.

“Specifically, we had a standout performance by freshman Tyler Rush,” said Benton. “It was his first collegiate race.”

Sophomore Ryan Jackson placed 72nd, while freshman Drake Smelser was 125th.

While the Lions do not compete this weekend, they will be working on where they can improve for future competitions.

“As a team, our goal is always to pack up. At this level, that’s how you win,” said Benton. From our first race to this one we’ve improved, but there’s always more we can do.”

Women’s Cross

Country

The Women’s Cross Country team finished third overall with 98 total points, behind SU and Pittsburg State University.

After sitting our for two seasons, junior Dora Eastin  of Neosho, Mo., shocked not only the competition at the Southern Stampede, but herself as well.

“My performance surprised me, because I didn’t expect to run that fast.” said Eastin, who led the Lions with a time of 17:54.99, finishing 10th overall.

Near behind Eastin was sophomore Addie Mengwasser with a time of 18:19.19. Freshmen Sierra Gray and Lizzy Kirby performed well for the Lions by taking 20th and 32nd, while sophomore Dana Roberson finished right behind them in 33rd place with a time of 18:55.95.

Junior Kelly Jo Roberts placed 53rd, while sophomore Jet Hovis and freshman Kayla Bartlesmeyer placed 57th and 63rd.

“The team still has some work to do before he conference meet, but overall everyone ran a lot faster than expected,” said Eastin. “We can improve by packing up and helping each other in the race.”

Neither cross country teams compete this weekend, but will be preparing for the upcoming Chilli Pepper Festival at the University of Arkansas on Oct.5.