Cross Country Runs at Jim Ryun Invitational in Lakeland
September 14, 2012
Lakeland, Fla. – The Southeastern University men’s and women’s cross country teams competed for the second time in their history on Friday evening, running in the Jim Ryun Invitational hosted by Florida Southern College.
Kyler Kathman ran well again on a very tough course. Kathman led the race for the first three miles before he finished eighth overall with a time of 29:20.04. Brian Harris also ran well finishing 12th with a time of 31:22.72. Grant Forbis earned a to 30 finish with his 27th place time of 35:25.94.
As a team, the Fire men finished in sixth place out of seven teams.
Bethany Jones was the leader on the women’s side with a 21st place time of 23:46.82. Ashley Reed wasn’t far behind with a time of 24:28.27, good enough for 26th place overall. Rachael Bruce finished 29th with a time of 24:42.78.
Despite a course with very loose sand for over 90% of the run, the women’s team finished in fifth place out of seven teams ahead of Warner University and Florida Christian College.
“Today was a great mental and physical test for our teams,” said Head Coach Paul Kurtz. “The course was very difficult and we had a very tough week of practice. No one was fresh today, but everyone gave a great effort. Kyler Kathman had another strong race, finishing eighth overall for the guys. “
The men and women head to Embry-Riddle next Saturday for the Asics Classic in Daytona Beach, Fla.
