Pioneer harriers second, sixth at Broughton Invitational

Sept. 17, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio — It was the first collegiate cross country invitational run at Broughton’s Nature Preserve since September 2003.  After having the 2004 meet wiped out by hurricane Ivan, the Marietta College cross country team was excited to get back on their home course. 

"I didn’t know what to expect today really," said Derek Stanley, head coach of the men and women’s programs.  "I knew we had a chance to fair well, especially in the men’s race but I have never seen or coached a meet out here."

The men held true to coach’s expectations by finishing in second place. The team was lead by Clark Spears (Brunswick) who earned fifth place overall, the highest finish of any MC runner in any race since the program’s reinstatement. Spears covered the 8,000 meter course in 28:47 just out-kicking an Ohio Wesleyan runner to the finish. He was followed by a strong effort from Harrison Potter (Rochester, NY/ Gates Chili) who was the second runner in for the Pioneers. Potter finished in tenth place, running 29:24. Following closely behind Potter were John Hull (Scott Depot, WV/ Winfield) and Andrew Wichie (Brunswick) who finished 14th (29:57) and 16th (30:09), respectively. Rounding out the scoring for the men’s team was Ben Williams (Marietta/ Warren) (34th, 31:28), Joseph Wynes (East Aurora, NY) (40th, 32:04), and Lyle Sulfridge (Vincent/Warren) (44th, 32:24). Also running for the Pioneers was Alex Lugosch (Round Pound, ME/ Lincoln Academy) (46th, 32:37) and Kyle Hummel (Indiana, PA/ Indian Area) (53rd, 33:57).

The sun popped out for the women’s race heating the hillside for a grueling challenge. Despite a rolled ankle on Thursday (before the race) Emily Klodowski (Rochester, PA /Center) continued her improvement from last year.  Klodowski finish the taxing up and down grades of the 5k course in 21:44, earning her tenth place overall. Second for the women was Brea Gardner (Glenford/Sheridan) with her strongest performance in recent history. Gardner finished in 22:36, good for 19th. Newcomer Jessi Larrison (Batavia) completed her first ever collegiate cross country race working hard for 34th place in 23:55.  MC’s fourth woman was Lyndley Dmitsak (Alquippa, PA/Center) who ran a strong race in 24:43 for 44th place.  Finishing up for the Pioneers was Janelle Rodes (Indian River, IN/ Indian Lakes) who completed the scoring for the women in 64th place (28:07).

"This is no easy course; the men’s course record isn’t even below 27:00," said Stanley after the race. "Our times might not reflect how well our teams performed today but I am happy with the results.I can deal with secnd place, but we will always strive for first." 

The journey continues for the Marietta runners next Saturday (Sept. 24) as they will be traveling to the Western International Invitational in London, Ontario, Canada. The women will start off the competition at 10:00am and the men run at 10:45am.