September 22, 2008

Lady Tiger runners face stiff competition in Missouri

Returning to the Missouri Southern Stampede for the first time in three years, the Cowley College women’s cross country team competed against some strong competition.

The Lady Tigers placed 21st out of 28 teams at the meet, while NCAA Division I Tulsa University won the meet by a whopping 103 points over host Missouri Southern.

Jessica McLeod, who was battling the flu, was the Lady Tigers’ top finisher, as she placed 56th with a time of 18:55.6 in the 5,000-meter run.

“She ran really well for being sick,” Cowley head coach Vince DeGrado said.

Tulsa’s Alex Becker won the 3.1-mile race with a time of 16:45.2 Cowley freshman Cecilia Burler ran under 20 minutes for the first time, as she placed 68th with a time of 19:10.5.

“Cecilia has really stepped up for us,” DeGrado said. “She’s a hard worker and has adapted well to college running.”

Robin Ray (20:25.5), Marvia Lewin (20:51.2), Janee’ Gabbard (21:09.2) and Kari Rinehart (25:53.5) rounded out Cowley runners at the meet.

“Our women are going to progress and be faster as the year goes on,” DeGrado said.
The Lady Tigers will now prepare for the Oklahoma State University Jamboree, which will be held Oct. 4 in Stillwater, Okla.

Cowley results:
(56) Jessica McLeod, 19:08.6; (68) Cecilia Burley, 19:23.5; (140) Robin Ray, 20:38.5; (157) Marvia Lewin, 21:04.2; Janee’ Gabbard, 21:22.2; (267) Kari Rinehart, 26:06.5.

Top-10 team scores: (1) University of Tulsa, 32; (2) Missouri Southern, 135; (3) Harding University, 141; (4) University of Oklahoma, 147; (5) Midwestern State, 225; (6) Southwest Baptist, 242; (7) Pittsburg State, 262; (8) Lindenwood, 266; (9) Arkansas Tech, 268; (10) Mid America Nazarene, 296; (21) Cowley, 516.