LAWRENCE, Kan.  The Western Colorado cross country team traveled to Kansas for the Pre-Nationals meet, where both the men's and women's teams turned in impressive performances. The Mountaineers showcased their depth and consistency throughout the meet, with both squads securing second-place finishes in a highly competitive field.

Western placed multiple runners inside the top 10 on both sides, helping the Mountaineers secure a pair of runner-up finishes and make a strong statement against a competitive field as the season continued to build toward the postseason.

JUST THE FACTS
Event: Pre-Nationals 
Final Score: Men 8k: 1. Pittsburg St. (51) 2. Western Colorado (93) 3. Washburn (98)
Final Score: Women 6k: 1. Colo. School of Mines (84) 2. Western Colorado (85) 3. UCCS (90)                                                 
Location: Lawrence, Kansas / Rim Rock Farm

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The men's race kicked off the meet, with the Mountaineers settling into the lead pack early and positioning themselves well throughout the race. Western continued to compete near the front as the field began to spread out, with several Mountaineers turning in strong performances.
• Leading the way for Western was Gable Rial, who crossed the finish line in fourth place overall with a time of 24:04.7. Just behind him was Tyler Nord, who placed fifth overall after clocking a time of 24:14.2.
• Kellen Reed was the next Mountaineer across the finish line, earning 12th place with a time of 24:35.1. Aiden Wieskamp followed in 33rd place, finishing in 25:08.9, while Branden Davis crossed shortly after in 39th with a time of 25:12.2.
• Kaden Hamilton continued Western's strong showing, finishing 48th with a time of 25:19.5. Alexander Koeneker rounded out the Mountaineers on the men's side, crossing the finish line in 54th place with a time of 25:25.0.
• The women's race followed, with the Mountaineers putting together another strong team performance. Lauren Willson led the way for Western, finishing seventh overall with an impressive time of 21:12.6.
• Peyton Weiss was the next Mountaineer to cross the finish line, placing 11th with a time of 21:29.8. Brighton Mooney followed closely behind, earning 14th place in 21:36.1, while Natalie Kessler finished 21st with a time of 22:01.1.
• Ella Smart continued the strong showing for Western, finishing 32nd with a time of 22:11.4. Annaka Rudolph crossed the line in 41st place after posting a time of 22:28.0.
• Rounding out the Mountaineers was Kate Horneck, who finished 44th overall with a time of 22:29.1. Western's men's and women's squads both showed strong depth throughout the field, with multiple Mountaineers finishing near the front and competing hard from start to finish.

UP NEXT
The Mountaineers will be back in action on Friday, October 17 with the 76th annual W Mountain Race. The community race is set to start at 10 AM.