September 30, 2008

Limited squad of runners does well at OBU meet

Taking just four runners to compete at Oklahoma Baptist University on Saturday, Cowley College head cross country coach Vince DeGrado was pleased with the performances.

DeGrado used the meet as an opportunity for his men’s runners that did not compete at the Missouri Southern Invitational to get a chance to run an 8,000-meter race prior to running at the Oklahoma State University Jamboree on Saturday.

Rolando Vasquez was the Tigers’ top finisher as he placed eighth with a personal best time of 26:09.
“Rolando has stepped up this year and really came into this season with a purpose,” DeGrado said.

Isbek Salinas ran his first ever 8,000 meter race in 26:30, which was good enough for 13th place.

“Isbek is becoming the runner I knew he would be,” DeGrado said.

Also taking part in his first ever 8,000-meter race was Brice Irving, who placed 26th with a time of 27:26. Freshman T.J. Mapp was the other Tiger runner at the meet. Mapp placed 58th with a time of 31:27.

“Our team was ranked second in the nation without these guys times to go by and I believe after this week, we have definitely made a statement with our men's team,” DeGrado said.

Aaron Yoder of Fort Hays State University won the race with a time of 25:23.

The Oklahoma State University Jamboree will begin Saturday at 8 a.m. in Stillwater, Okla.