October 18, 2014

OBERLIN, Ohio - On an extremely sloppy and slow course, best left to mudders, sophomore JACK FISHER (Norwalk/St. Paul) ran more like a thoroughbred, leading a host of fine performances for the team.

In a multi-regional/multi-state field of 291 varsity level runners, Fisher came home 21st in 26:09 over the five-mile distance, despite a trip and shove resulting in a fall just past the two-mile mark. Junior ZACH BRADLEY (Sheffield Lake/Brookside) followed Fisher home about a minute later as he continues to show significant development this season. The freshman tandem of "The Chrises", KRIS LYONS (Vickery/Margaretta) and CHRIS TATOM (Greenfield, Ind./Greenfield Central), again continued to impress with mid-28 minute performances despite the rough conditions. The sophomore due of SHAWN CAMPO (Galion) and PATRICK BREAN(Ashland) rounded out the squad with each running PR's of a minute better from their last outing two weeks ago at the All-Ohio Championship.

While struggling to overcome a nagging injury exacerbated by the spongy, uneven conditions, sophomore ANNA HAIRSTON (Mansfield/Ontario) still improved on her time from All-Ohio. Freshman ELAINA ALPETER (Galloway/Hilliard Bradley) vaulted into second position on the team with yet another improvement over her last race. Sophomore RAVEN WILSON(Coshocton/Riverview), like Hairston, struggled with the conditions to come home third for the team followed by a vastly improved performance from freshman KATIE BAUMLEIN(Findlay/Liberty-Benton).  

"I'm excited by what I am seeing in workouts," said Assistant Coach Jim Brandt, "and it's beginning to show on race days. Confidence in racing ability is beginning to blossom and I anticipate excellent performances at conference and regionals."

The harriers have some important days of training ahead of them before they travel to Earlham College for the HCAC Championship meet on Saturday, November 1. The women are slated to run at 12 p.m.

-BEAVERS-