The Inter-Regional Rumble hosted by Oberlin College traditionally lives up to its name with tough collegiate cross country across fields from five or six NCAA regions. This year’s edition was no exception. The Beaver harriers raced aggressively, producing quality placings and times in this final tune-up prior to the HCAC Championship. The women’s team finish of 16 in a field of 29 teams is the best in school history at this high-caliber meet with the best women’s individual finish produced as well.

Sophomore Alexis Cash (Gaines, MI/Lake Fenton) came home first for the Beavers, 31st overall in the field of 240 women in a PR time of 23:21 over the 6,000 meter distance. Junior Jennie Matteson (Guysville/Alexander) eclipsed the 24 minute barrier for the first time in her career at 23:55, placing 69th. Freshman Kimmie Hetrick (Fremont/Ross) continued to impress with her 24:29 effort while sophomore Arie Cox (Ontario) ran a big PR to cross the line in 25:07. Senior Alissa Hauke (Hillsboro) completed the scoring varsity squad a mere eight ticks off Cox to finish a strong 25:15. 

The men’s team saw PR performances from its first two finishers in the 8,000 meter race with sophomore Dakota Frost (Edgerton/Hicksville) placing 33rd in the men’s field of 265 at 26:18 while junior Jonah Eckert (Terre Haute, Ind./West Vigo) ran a strong #2 for the Beavers with a 27:12 clocking. Sophomore Connor Gulick (St. Louisville/Utica) and juniors Wyatt Baer (Marshallville/Smithville) and Jacob Hill (Dayton/Wayne) rounded out the scorers for the team.

“Both teams performed well this weekend,” said Head Coach Karen Brandt, “But the women in particular took a big step forward in the aggressiveness and attitude they showed throughout the race. While Rose-Hulman and Manchester were the first two teams in front of us in the team scoring, we definitely are within striking distance of both of them when we meet up again at conference. It is tight at the top of the women’s side of the conference and in two weeks there could be a significant difference in the finishes. On the men’s side, Rose looks poised to dominate the championship meet but after them it looks to be a real horse race for 2nd place among Manchester, Hanover, Earlham and us. With not having the front-of-the-field placement we had expected from Kris Lyons (Vickery/Margaretta) due to his injury, to even be in the conversation is a real testament to our guys toughness and work ethic. Both teams need to keep their heads down for the next 10 days of training, stay focused and work hard, then believe in what they can accomplish.”

The HCAC Championship will be contested on the campus of Manchester University on Saturday, Oct. 28. The men’s 8,000 meter race starts at 11 a.m. followed by the women’s 6,000 meter contest at noon. 

-BEAVERS-