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T.J. Gerlach/The Chart Brian Lyons, senior, finishes a two-mile run at practice. The national meet takes place Nov. 23 in Ashland, Ohio. The team is ranked 13th nationally. |
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Lions
cross country sets new standard Staff Writer
The
men s cross country team races at 1 p.m. (Eastern) on Nov. 23 in the
MIAA Division II National Cross Country Meet in Ashland, Ohio. The
team will compete against 22 of the best teams in the nation, not
including the host individuals who have made the competition.
Fortunately, the team has traveled to this particular showing numerous
times. In the year 2000, the team finished sixth and last season, 2001,
finished 17th. Currently,
the polls indicate the Missouri Southern men are ranked 13th nationally,
but the team has set a higher standard for itself this year said Tom
Rutledge, head coach. He hopes the men will finish in the top four,
which would give them a nice trophy to hang next to their MIAA
Conference Champion and second place regional finishes. Our
team always sets a higher standard than what we are given, Rutledge
said. The
team faces a difficult problem - it can only enter seven runners. The
men have a great amount of talent and determination within their team,
creating a tough decision for Rutledge. The team s depth provides many
options for Rutledge to choose from, but he was forced to pick seven. Any
of the runners would have done well in the meet, Rutledge said. The
seven runners are Larry Boswell, Magnus Holmstrom, Paul Koehler, Petri
Kykyri, Brian Lyons, Craig Rhoads and Michael Sutter. The
runners have faith in each other to do well during practice and
competition. Preparation by their coach and each other keep them
motivated. Everyone
is peaking at the proper time, and there is a lot more intensity in the
workout, said Craig Rhoads, sophomore environmental health major. The
competition the men s team has faced has not been easy. Its
competition has been some of the top Division I and II squads in the
nation. They have competed against teams such as the University of
Arkansas and Abilene Christian University, giving them an advantage for
the National meet. The
success of the season is not solely based upon this national meet.
Rutledge is proud and honored to have athletes who do well inside and
outside of sports. I
have been blessed with great individuals with great chemistry, Rutledge
said. Whether or not they place in the top 10, they have had a
successful season. |
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T.J. Gerlach/The Chart Brian Lyons, senior, finishes a two-mile run at practice. The national meet takes place Nov. 23 in Ashland, Ohio. The team is ranked 13th nationally. |