Bethel cross country competes at NAIA Mid-States in preparation for KCAC race
Top finishers for the Threshers were Wise for the men and Schrag for the women and the men's team placed second
WINFIELD — The men’s and women’s cross country teams took on the Southwestern Mid-States Classic this past Saturday with promising results and great attitude for conference coming up soon.
The men were led by Tobin Wise who led the race the entire time until the two mile mark when Oklahoma City started to push and pass by. The Threshers were grouped together towards the front of the race, and scattered towards the back.
Wise placed 6th, with a time of 27:02.6. Marcus Fiedler placed 7th with a time of 27:02.7. Luke Schmidt has had some issues with injuries this season and came in next with a finishing time of 27:36.2 placing 9th. In 11th was Braden Esau with a rime of 27:44.0. Matthew Fleck placed 24th with a time of 30:15.5. Seth Balzer finished 29th with a time of 32:45.8 and Simon Hodge was right behind him finishing 30th with a time of 32:50.6. The men’s team placed second with a team score of 51.
“I felt good about how the race started,” said senior Tobin Wise from Pleasant Hill, Mo. “It was fun to be able to lead a race. I took it out fast but I started to fade about the midpoint. From there I was just trying to hold on until the finish. I was not expecting to run a personal best considering I felt pretty awful in the second half. Going into the conference meet I hope to break that 27 minute barrier and get an individual qualifying spot to the national meet.”
On the ladies side they competed in a 6k as they prepared for conference in two weeks. In the top 10, three Threshers competed and fought for who would take the lead. The 8k to 6k differences from men’s to women’s helps the women train for pace and confidence in timing.
Schrag placed 6th with a time of 25:10.2. Emma Graber was right behind her with a time of 25:47.4 finishing 7th and Taryn Paulino placed 9th with a time of 26:17.3. Sydney Hart placed 24th with a time of 29:50.5. The women’s team did not get a team score due to lack of numbers.
“Everybody performed well and had great races,” said Bethany Schrag, a junior from Valley Center. “The conditions were pretty good despite there being some wind, but we all did great and are ready for the conference.”
Head coach Julio Martinez feels good about the race and is excited for post season races to get started.
“The team wrapped up the regular season this weekend with some strong performances and a few lifetime beats,” said head coach Julio Martinez. “They all ran to expectations and had three ladies led by Bethany Schrag in the top 10. Freshman Sydney Hart debuted on her first 6k and ran well.
On the boys side, Tobin Wise and teammate Marcus Fiedler led the race for about 2 miles and their efforts were rewarded with lifetime bests. Another lifetime best came by Braden Esau who continues to be a key contributor for our team this season. Senior Luke Schmidt and Matt Fleck also had strong performances with season best. Our team was rounded up with a lifetime best by Seth Balzer and Simon Hodge who debuted in his first collegiate 8k. The team ran great and showed they will be ready for the KCAC championships in 2 weeks.”
The Threshers will compete again at the KCAC Championships in Leavenworth where they look to qualify for the National Championships in Columbia, Mo.