Photo by Roxie Gonzalez
After placing towards the back in each of the first three meets, the Oklahoma Christian University men’s cross-country team claimed its first team title of the season as four Eagle runners finished in the top 10 at the Oklahoma Baptist Bison Invitational.
According to cross-country Head Coach Wade Miller, the team capitalized on the extra week of rest and training.
“We were able to get a little bit more work in without the physiological and psychological stress of racing,” Miller said. “It’s easier to get more rest without the travel to and from competition sites.”
Bryant Keirns led the Eagles with a second-place time of 25:26.30 in the 8,000-meter race. Three more Oklahoma Christian runners finished among the top 10 – Timothy Zuercher with a 26:01 fourth-place finish, Sisay Gillock at seventh with a 26:18 and Evan Durrill’s 26:28 at 10th place, a career best for Durrill.
Freshman Evan McQuirk, out with injuries for the remaining season, said he was pleased with his teammates’ performance.
“I would have liked to race this season to help our team win nationals,” McQuirk said. “But the guys have stepped up and competed well.”
Durrill held company with two more Eagle runners who broke personal records. Blake Thompson’s 27:06 earned him 20th, followed shortly by Emory Lobely with his career-best 27:31 earning the 25th slot in the 80-man field.
Kyle Broaddrick ran a 28:38 and Riley Compton finished at 31:24, placing 46th and 71st, respectively.
According to McQuirk, regardless of the time between meets, each runner challenges his teammate to improve and stay in proper condition for the next race.
“Everyday we make each other better, whatever the aspect may be,” McQuirk said. “Whether it’s pushing each other in workouts or having fun on our easy runs, we have formed a brotherhood that will be put to use very soon.”
The Eagles had two weeks off before their next meet on Oct. 25 at the West Texas A&M Buffalo Stampede in Canyon, Texas.
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