By Chad Clevenger
McPHERSON, Kan. (CCCTigers.com) – In the 1st year Cross Country Returns to Central Christian, Chloe Clevenger has entered her name in the Tiger Record books by hitting the NCCAA Cross Country National Qualifying Standard. In an outstanding race, Clevenger placed 7th with a season’s best 20:38, in the 5000 meter race. Payton Rice followed with a 30th place finish in 23:18. Even though the meet was not part of the McPherson Collegiate Cup Standings, the Women were able to beat cross town rival McPherson College in head to head scoring. Jamaira Ross of Northwestern Oklahoma was the individual winner with a time of 19:49, and Tabor College won the Overall Team Race.
On the men’s side, Philip Soclo was the lone Tiger participant, running a personal record by 72 seconds as he ran the 8000 meter course in 34:42, and placing 59th. Northwestern Oklahoma’s Christian Franklin was the individual winner in 25:45, and they were also the team winner with 24 points.
“Chloe hitting that National Qualifying Standard, is a big step in our growth for our young program, and Payton ran a great race too. She’s been a little banged up, and ran right where she left off, then Philip knocks 72 seconds off his best, we had a great day,” said Coach Clevenger following the meet.
This meet concludes the Cross Country team’s regular season schedule, and the focus is now on the Championship Phase of their schedule, as their next meet will be the NAIA Mid-States Classic hosted by Southwestern College in Winfield, at the Kansas Veterans Home of Winfield on Saturday, October 26th. Live results can be found at www.blacksquirreltiming.com, and can be seen on the KCAC Network. The women’s 6000 meter run will start at 10:15am, followed by the men’s 8000 meter run at 11:15am.
