Cross Country Teams Gear Up for Gans Creek Classic
The University of Evansville’s cross country teams are set to compete tomorrow at the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Missouri. This popular event, hosted by the University of Missouri, features 87 teams and will be broadcast live on SECN+. Fans can also track the live results here.
The competition is stiff, with 14 men’s teams and nine women’s teams currently ranked in the Top 25. Last weekend, junior Samuel Lea from Evansville shone in the men’s 8K at the John McNichols Invitational, finishing first with a personal-best time of 24:47.35. He barely edged out Miami’s Chis Perkins by just one second. This achievement ties him for the ninth-best 8K time in the university’s history.
On the women’s side, sophomore Chase Hayes led her team, finishing 15th. Hayes set a new personal best of 22:29.93, tying for the 14th-best 6K time in the program’s history. The team placed fifth overall, showing promise as they head into the Gans Creek Classic.
Freshman James Cruse made waves in the collegiate race, securing his spot as the Aces’ top finisher with a strong time of 18:48.3. His performance earned him the MVC Men’s Runner of the Week award. Evansville’s men’s team took home the team title last Friday, demonstrating their competitive edge.
As we look forward to tomorrow’s race, interest in cross country is gaining momentum. Recent surveys show that sports participation at the collegiate level has surged, with approximately 10% more students joining cross country teams this year compared to last.
This increase reflects a broader trend in sports, where young athletes are striving for both health and scholarship opportunities. As these teams race at Gans Creek, they will not only be competing for personal glory but also representing their university and the spirit of collegiate athletics.
The Gans Creek Cross Country Course is located at 3350 E Gans Road, Columbia, MO 65201. It’s a spot that promises excitement, athletic skill, and fierce competition.
