EVANSVILLE, IN - The Kentucky Wesleyan Cross Country teams closed the year at the NCAA Regionals yesterday, which were held at Angel Mounds State Park in Evansville, Indiana. The women ran a 6K, while the men ran a 10K.
"Over the past 16 days, this group of kids have absolutely excelled and persevered throughout all that has been going on," said Head Coach
Sol Stephens. "To still produce lifetime bests at this point in time shows the integrity, good character, and great work ethic these kids have, and that will reward them later in life. Starting our training days at 6 a.m. all season created bonds that will hopefully turn into lifelong friendships, regardless of the directions life takes us. The accountability and character shown to each other through the day was fantastic. All 12 of them ran with fortitude and pride for their family and fiends who came out to support from miles around. #RunYourR.A.C.E."
Abigail Lesniak came just shy of a personal best in the meet, running a 23:01.77, her fastest time since the G-MAC Championships back in the fall of 2021. Also running well was senior
Karlee Hoffman, who came through with a time of 24:32.79, her fastest time this season. Not far behind them was
Kate Keller, who came through with a time of 25:50.25.
Abby Greene (27:03.56),
Maggie Jewell (27:04.30) and Rafa Gano closed it out for Wesleyan.
On the men's side, they boys stuck together.
Tanner Hayes, who has consistently been the Panthers No. 1 runner over the past three season, let the team with a time of 38:17.50.
Dominic Cashion set a new personal best in the meet, starting out on fire and holding on for a time of 40:10.64.
Landon Harper (41:49.15) and
Zachary Hardin (41:49.58) crossed the line together, while
Blake Lancaster finished with a time of 48:59.83.
As this competition wraps up the regular season for cross country, it also closes the program. In that regard, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Mark Shook, notes, "It has been an emotional few weeks for these teams - and our program as a whole. While nothing I can say today will take away the pain, I simply want to say thank you to our coaches and student athletes, and those that came before them, for being part of the Panthers Athletics family. My hope is that time will heal these wounds as you move forward with our best wishes for success in your lives."
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