Pio runners roar to second place finish

BY BREA D. GARDNER
gardnerb@marietta.edu
The men’s cross country team proved themselves worthy of the challenging, rough-footed, hilly terrain of the Broughton Farm yet again Saturday, even after last year’s flood hiatus.

Competing in the 3rd Annual Broughton Cross Country Invitational, Marietta stood its ground and defended its grueling home turf with pride and honor. Conditions were just right for a very competitive day and the men immediately took advantage, stacking themselves perfectly early on the race to contend for excellent team positions at the finish.

The First Pio to cross the line was senior standout Clark Spears, who finished fifth overall, touring the five mile course in 28:47. Then following Spears, came the
strategic pack of Harrison Potter, John Hull and Andrew Wichie finishing tenth (29:24), 14th (29:57), and 16th (30:09), respectfully.

Completing the team scoring with hard fought finishes were Ben Williams (34th, 31:28), rookie Joseph Wynes (40th, 32:04) and Lyle Sulfridge (44th, 32:24). Also running for the men’s team were Alex Lugosch (46th, 32:37) and Kyle Hummel (53rd, 33:57).

Snapping the tape for the men’s race, was junior Matt Kempton, a representative of Ohio Wesleyan who cruised the course in 27:42.

While Ohio Wesleyan claimed the men’s crown with an impressive team score of 19, it was Marietta who received the highest recognition they have ever received in any meet since its young history began, proudly taking the second place team trophy with a score of 63. Wittenberg University claimed the third place team title with a score of 72. Clark Spears stated, “A high finish for the team was exactly what we needed to start out this season. This team is better than we’ve ever been since the program was reinstated in 2002, and our finishing place at the conference meet will reflect that.”

Head Coach Derek Stanley was elated with the results, “I thought the men ran strong for the tough coarse conditions. The results clearly show that the Broughton
Nature Preserve was our home course because of how comfortable we looked. All our guys ran well and we had a couple of guys like Potter and Wichie who really stepped up on the day to help the team. The gap from our fourth to fifth man was a little big so we will need the other guys to step up and fill that void. I have full confidence that we can do so.”

On the women’s side, in the wrenching, hot temperature of the midday sun, the team was able to rack up a sixth place finish. Despite a rolled ankle on Thursday (before the race), senior Emily Klodowski continued her running rampage for the year by finishing the 5K course with a strong tenth place showing in a time of 21:44. Following Klodowski to the end were Brea Gardner, who cracked the top 25 with a 19th place finish in 22:36 and newcomer Jessie Larrison, who completed her first ever collegiate cross country race (34th, 23:55).

Also running strong for the women were Lyndley Dmitsak (44th, 24:43) and Janelle Rodes (64th, 28:07). Catie Coleman, a freshman from Ohio Wesleyan, claimed the individual women’s crown with a time of 20:10. Ohio Wesleyan went on the claim the women’s overall team title as well, with yet another impressive
score of 22.

At the end of the day, the Pioneer cross country team walked away with some solid victories and a glimpse of what is yet to come for the rest of the season.

The journey will continue for the teams next Saturday (Sept. 24) when they will be taking on the Western International Invitationalin London, Ontario, Canada.