Meghan Sullivan
Pictured Above: SMSU junior Emily Daniels ran for a time of 22:07, putting her at 34th.
Due to heavy rain throughout the week, SMSU cross country had a quick change of plans for their second meet of the season. Rather than heading to the Dakota State University meet in Madison, SD, the Mustangs added another thirty minutes of travel to Sioux Center, IA, for the Herb Blakely Invite.
On the women’s side, senior Kayla Jansky led the team by running the 5000-meter race in 20:43, outpacing 64 runners to secure herself a spot at sixth. Overall, Mustang Women’s cross-country finished fourth out of the seven competing teams with 97 points.
For the SMSU men’s team, junior Clayton Hartle was the first Mustang to cross the finish line. He finished the men’s 8000-meter run with a time of 28:42 to place 25th. The men’s team placed sixth out of seven total teams at the invite with 141 points.
Dordt University’s men’s and women’s teams both won the overall titles, with Oliva Couch leading women’s cross country running a time of 19:34.
The Mustangs will return to action at the Wayne State Classic in Wayne, NE, on Friday, Sept. 27. The NSIC conference race will be held in Wayne on Oct. 26.