"Life is a marathon, not a sprint" sums up the start of the cross country season well. Patience has been vital as the Spartans moved in two weeks ahead of school starting to prepare for a fast-approaching season. Due to unpredicatable events, the first three scheduled meets for Southwestern had to be cancelled. After a months-worth of practice, competition is sweet.

In a field dominated by Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) schools, the Spartans got to see the elite competition they will see all fall. "We still have a long way to go to get to where want need to be, but it was a great for our student-athletes to get the chance to compete again" said first-year head coach, Scott Vicker. "Josh (Baudler) ran a great race and was consistent throughout. Connor (Koppa) did a great job moving up throughout the race. I was glad he was able to get a new PR as a reward for all the hard work he has put in over the summer and beginning of the season. This was the first collegiate cross country competition ever for all six of our men, so it was a good learning experience for them." The Spartan men finished in sixth place of the six teams competing, narrowly missing the Statesmen of William Penn.

On the women's side, "Mazzy (Hummel) ran her first meet in over a year. I know it didn't go the way she hoped, but she has made great strides the past two weeks in practice, so I know she will be prepared to run fast this week." 

Men's Results:

Josh Baudler - 13th in 16:49

Connor Koppa - 46th in 18:19 (lifetime 5K PR)

Nicholas Mather - 57th in 18:53

Levi Detrick - 62nd in 19:16

Ahmed Fofana - 68th in 20:00

Leland Perkins - 76th in 21:20

Women's Results

Mazzy Hummel - 46th in 26:06