Sports
Men’s Cross Country Wins Opening Meet
By: Rachel Hoops
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The Ohio University Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams opened their season in Marietta this morning, but if you looked at the starting line – OU’s team looked a little thin.
“We're saving our top 11 on both men's and women's squad. We have Penn State, so that'll be our big opener,” head coach Clay Calkins said. “As far as big meets are concerned, that will be our big meet next weekend at Penn State there. This was our opportunity to get our “B team” out there and have a chance to compete.”
The Bobcats took advantage of that opportunity. In the men’s race, as the men came down the final hill to the finish line, a Bobcat was leading the pack. Senior Matt Michno came across the finish line in 28:17.91, 16 seconds ahead of second place.
“My goals going into the race were just go out and get a good workout in and make sure the freshman have a good first experience on a real cross country course running the full 8,000 meters,” Michno said.
In second place, Ohio University freshman Jake Stephens crossed the finish line at 28:33.87 behind Michno. Marietta College’s Terrance Wallace rounded out the top three at a time of 28:45.49.
Overall, Ohio University took first place over Alderson Broaddus and Marietta College with a score of 30. Alderson Broaddus was second with 36 points.
Over on the women’s squad, Alderson Broaddus’s Ashley Teets took the women’s title in a time of 19:22.21. Reba Leonard from Marietta College crossed the finish line nearly a minute later at 20:18.17. Senior Bobcat Lauren Fett was third at 21:12.84.
“My goals were to just place pretty high,” Fett said. “Because I didn't know what teams were going to be here and the course is very tough, and to pace yourself for a good time. So I went for place.”
It was a close race between Alderson Broaddus and Ohio University, but the Battlers pulled out a 33-37 win over the Bobcats.
Next weekend, the Bobcats will travel to Penn State for the Harry Groves invite.