Posted: Nov 05, 2014
Coach Mark Nelson is looking to lead Central Methodist once again to the promised land starting at 11 a.m. CT with the women's 5k title race. The Eagles are vying for their third conference title in four seasons, while the Central Methdodist men's team is looking for their first championship in school history after finishing second a year ago.�
The men's 8k cross country race commences at 11:45 a.m.
Scheduled to run for the Eagle women are Shannon Feurt, Megan Greener, Bayley Greiner, Veronica Hancock, Rachel Howieson, Kaitlyn Loeffler, Emily Nealley, Allyson Ng, Cheyenne Randle, Alexandra Scavuzzo, Nikki Warren and Crystin Wilson.�
"We feel like we're ready to go," Nelson said.�
The Eagles finished second last season, led by Nealley's fifth-place finish.
"We've seen some improvements in performances, and I think we're in our best shape to run our best at the end of the season."
Scheduled to compete for the Eagle men are Rory Concannon, Brett Davis, Ryan Dickson, Zach Feurt, Doug Hutcherson, Austin Jones, Cody Klemp, Gage Lemmon, Tyler Meierarend, Michael Neeley and Rodes Ratliff.
"I expect it to be neck and neck between us and Baker (Kan.)," Nelson commented. "We could probably run this race five times and have a different winner each time."
The top returning Eagles from last year's meet are Meierarend and Davis, who finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
"Our guys are ready to have their best team race, as we haven't fired on all cylinders yet this year. We look like a team that's ready to win the school's first HAAC title. Now we just have to go out and perform."
Temperatures are expected to be in the low 50s at Auburn Country Club in Auburn, Neb., site of the races.
The top finisher and championship team from each race earn an automatic berth to the 59th annual Men's and 35th annual Women's Cross Country National Championship CROSS on Sat., Nov. 22, at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kan.
