The men’s and women’s cross country teams were the host of the 29th annual Bradley Intercollegiate last Friday, and they didn’t allow either of the visiting teams to spoil their party.
The men swept the top six in their heat, all finishing within a second of each other. Finishing first was junior Caleb Beck, checking in at a career-best time of 25:04. Sophomores Taylor Floyd Mews and Michael Ward, juniors Mike Bianchina and Patrick Campbell and senior Marshall Moyer all finished at 25:04.7 or faster.
“Our men’s goal was to get out and get in a good position in a pack together,” head coach Darren Gauson said. “Our top seven ran together for the most part, but obviously there was a pretty small margin of victory. I’m very happy for the guys, there were a lot of [personal records] on that course.”
The girls finished in an even more impressive fashion, as 10 of the top 11 finishers in the women’s race were Bradley runners. Clocking in with the fastest times were Caitlin and Kristen Busch, who tied for first at 16:49.8. The effort earned the twin sisters MVC Athletes of the Week honors.
Gauson said both the men’s and women’s teams have started off their seasons hot, and they want to carry that momentum through the rest of the season when the competition gets more difficult.
“We just want to try to manage our energy levels and training so we can continue to progress,” Gauson said. “This weekend was a good stepping stone towards that, and Notre Dame will be a week [from today], so that’ll be another big test for us there.”
He also noted that the key to continuing to improve lies within the team’s work ethic and camaraderie.
“This is my fifth week as a head coach, and I haven’t been working with them long…and I think our 1-16 runners are all invested in each other,” Gauson said. “They’re a good group and I’m very fortunate to have the athletes that we have here.”
Gauson said he still believes there is room for improvement throughout the team, but overall, he’s pleased with what he’s seen.
Both cross country teams compete today in the Bradley Invitiational at 3 p.m. in Donovan Park.
