As winter in Wyoming draws closer, the closing for many team’s seasons are arriving soon or, in the cross-country teams’ case, have already arrived.
The Pokes concluded their regular season Friday at the NCAA Mountain Regional held at the Collindale Golf Course in Fort Collins, Colo. The Cowboys took 13th overall and the Cowgirls took 14th. According to reports from the Wyoming Athletics Department, the Cowboys finished the 10k race with 283 points, while the Cowgirls finished their 6k race with 364 points.
“I’m proud of the way our teams fought and competed,” Wyoming head coach Bryan Berryhill said. “A few of the runners were battling the flu or other illnesses this week, but they came out and gave their best effort and represented the program well.”
The men’s team this year came a long way since the beginning of its season. Junior Garret Zans came in 29th overall during Friday’s competition, the highest placement for the Cowboys. Freshman Aaron Derner, running his first 10k, followed behind Zans placing 49th. Michael Banks claimed the third highest place on the team taking 59th overall. Other freshman that competed for their first 10k races included Mike Seas and Alex Pawlak, who placed 63rd and 83rd, respectively. Senior Tyler Gifford and junior Ken Lane also provided strong competition for the Cowboys in their final tournament.
“I thought the men responded well today following the conference race,” said Berryhill. “Our guys fought hard and I’m proud of them for that. To have three freshmen running their first 10ks of the year and scoring points for us is a huge accomplishment. I’m glad they’re all returning next year so we can only get better from here moving forward.”
Sophomore runner Holly Page led her team placing 28th in the Mountain Regional. Named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year during her previous season, Page has improved throughout this season. Reports from the Athletics Department stated that Devon England followed Page in the competition coming in 57th, along with Christine Nelson, who placed 88th. Seniors Abi Bever and Brooke Hughes scored the remaining team points with their respective 89th- and 102nd-place finishes. Emily Swigart and Jessica Lemaster also competed.
“Holly had a good race today,” Berryhill said. “She has made a huge jump in her personal progress this year after a great season last year and has really helped the team along. The girls gave their best effort and battled hard so we’ll take it.”
The team plans to work and practice vigorously as its competition in the NCAA Cross Country Championship races approach within the upcoming week. The championship is set for Saturday, Nov. 17 at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Ky.
