By: Jenia Freewalt, sports information assistant

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. - On Friday, Nov. 12, the Beavers again traveled to stay overnight in Indiana in preparation for the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Region Cross Country Championships. It was an exciting race that brought numerous spectators cheering on close to 300 athletes per race at the event hosted by HCAC member Franklin College.

Kicking off the race at 11 a.m. was the men's 8k competition. First to cross the line for the Beavers was sophomore Alex Montross (Perrysburg), setting a new personal record of 27:26. Following Montross were freshmen Cole Kropka (New London), setting a personal record of 28:30, and Tyson Lesher (Millbury/Genoa Area), establishing a personal record of 28:41. Also setting a personal record for the men's team was freshman Braeden Horn (Galion) with a time of 30:12.

For senior Austin Hernandez (Marion/Ridgedale), the race was his last cross country meet as a Bluffton Beaver, and he finished the year with a season best of 30:58. Hernandez reflected on the season by saying, "I felt like this year our team really brought the effort every day and got after it. I really felt like we all got closer as a team and as individuals. I couldn't have asked for a better team to be a part of. And last but not least, I am proud of everyone and everything they did to help make my senior year a good one."

Following the men's race was the women's 6k competition. Coming in first for the Beavers was freshman Basil Gates (Galion) with a gutsy race and a new personal record of 24:06. Following Gates was junior Justine Lesniewski (Mantua/Crestwood) running a season best of 26:29. Freshman Clara Matthews (Bluffton) followed with a time of 26:52 and sophomore Brooke Barnes (Ashland/Crestview) set a personal record of 26:53.

Senior Hope Nixon (Johnstown/Johnstown-Monroe) wrapped her senior cross country season up as well, saying, "It's been a crazy journey and I'm going to miss all the ups and downs, and I'm grateful for the people that joined me on my trip to who I have become. I'm sad about it ending, but I'm excited for what is still to come."

Head Coach Scott Black wrapped up his first cross country season coaching the Beavers, and the team is optimistic and excited to build the program with him going forward. Black was proud of the team's final performance of the season, saying, "Everyone put forth great effort and it was reflected in the times. In a season where we had to fight through a lot of adversity, it was great to end on such a strong note with so many PR's and season bests."

After wrapping up a successful 2021 cross country season, the Beavers will rest and recover before continuing their training as they head into indoor track season which kicks off in January.

-BEAVERS-