September 10, 2011
By: Jordan Hill, sports information assistant

DEFIANCE, Ohio - The Bluffton University men's and women's cross country team competed at the Defiance Duals Invitational, hosted by Defiance College on Saturday, Sept. 10. Lingering evidence of a rainy week made for a slow and sloppy course as the Bluffton women finished second behind host Defiance College and the men third behind Defiance and Olivet College.

Leading the Bluffton women in the 5k was sophomore Brandi Dominique (Wauseon), who finished second with a time of 21:03. "This was a huge comeback for Brandi," commented first year Head Coach Karen Brandt. "The confusion of last week's course along with the extreme heat took its toll on Brandi. But today was her second cross country meet ever and even with a sloppy course, Brandi showed us just how tough she is."

Rounding out the Bluffton women was senior Heather Smith (Elkhart, IN/Concord), who finished sixth with a time of 22:00, sophomore Lyndsey Darrow (Pioneer/North Central), who was eighth with a time of 22:41, junior Alison Janzen (Whitewater, KS/Remington), who came in 10th with a time of 23:37, junior Katy Heffner (Troy/Troy), who was 11th with a time of 23:45 and sophomore Ashley Hiller (New Philadelphia/Tuscarawas Valley), who was 21st and ran 29:33. Coach Brandt said, "These women are strong. I am very impressed with their hard work and dedication to the team. We're going to turn heads this season and have a lot to look forward to."

For the Bluffton men, freshman Ryan Schadewald (Lima/Bath) led the 8k with a time of 30:51 and finished in eighth place. Coming in right behind was senior Andy Chaffee (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston) in ninth place and a time of 31:13. Rounding out the Beavers was junior Chris Arnold (Fort Wayne, Ind./Canterbury), who finished 17th with a time of 33:53, freshman Mike Gray (Ulysses, Penn./Northern Potter), who was 22nd with a time of 38:37 and junior Jeremy Kidder (New Carlisle/New Carlisle), who placed 26th with a time of 43:43. "This is a small group of novice runners," stated Coach Brandt of the men. "This is the first year of collegiate cross country for three out of our five guys. I am pleased with their efforts, but we still have a lot to learn. I know if they keep working hard like they have been, we are going to see huge improvements this year."

Although the cross country team is idle next week, the training and hard work continues and they will compete again on September 24 at Otterbein.

-BEAVERS-