August 31, 2009

Lady Tiger cross country team shines in opening meet

Getting solid performances from each of its runners, the Cowley College women’s cross country team won its season opening meet held Friday at Camp Quaker Haven in Arkansas City. In the process, Cowley defeated Butler Community College for the first time in the programs history.

Cowley finished with 25 team points, while Butler was second with 35 team points.

Coffeyville Community College finished third with 79 points.
“The women responded well and ran as a team,” Cowley head coach Vince DeGrado said. “It was good to see we have got what it takes to beat Butler, but until they lose a region championship they are still the king of the region.”

Sophomore Robin Ray led the way as she placed second with a time of 12:11.83. Ray finished second to only Butler Community College’s Patrober Murindat (11:51.77) in the two-mile race.
“Robin stepped up and raced really well,” DeGrado said.

Cowley had three freshmen place in the top-10 as Leigh Ann Omarkhail placed fourth, while Valerie Bland and Bailey Hawkins finished fifth and eighth, respectively.
“Those three worked really well together,” DeGrado said.

Sophomores Cecilia Burley (sixth) and Jessica Dyer (ninth) also ran well and had top-10 finishes. Lady Tigers’ Marvia Lewin (11th), Elly Adamson (13th), and Cassy Kendrick (16th) also fared well in their first competition of the season.

Cowley will now prepare to compete at the Friends University Invitational held at 7:15 p.m. Sept. 11 at Lake Afton in Goddard. The race will be 3.1 miles.

“I am inclined to running everyone to get them used to running together,” DeGrado said. “If we can keep progressing it will be a fun year.”

Cowley results: (2) Robin Ray, 12:11.83; (4) Leigh Ann Omarkhail, 12:38.52; (5) Valerie Bland, 12:38.81; (6) Cecilia Burley, 12:47.09; (8) Bailey Hawkins, 12:59.52; (9) Jessica Dyer, 13:01.75; (11) Marvia Lewin, 13:21.13; (13) Elly Adamson, 13:33.67; (16) Cassy Kendrick, 13:58.53.
Team scores: (1) Cowley 25; (2) Butler 35; (3) Coffeyville 79.