September 21, 2009

Lady Tiger runners compete at Missouri Southern Stampede

Facing its stiffest competition of the season, the No. 2-ranked Cowley College women’s cross country team placed 17th out of 41 teams at the Missouri Southern Stampede held Saturday in Joplin, MO.

The Lady Tigers had to finish the race short a runner as freshman Leigh Ann Omarkhail had to drop out after being tripped up and rolling an ankle.

“It was huge not having Leigh Ann, it cost us probably five or six places,” Cowley head coach Vince DeGrado said “We had some good performances and some that were not so good, it was a learning experience for our ladies.”

Cowley sophomore Robin Ray continued her torrid start to the season by placing 28th out of 359 runners in the three-mile race with a time of 18:40.36. Ray’s time was the fourth fastest in the program’s history.

 “Robin is having a great year,” DeGrado said.

Freshman Valerie Bland was the next highest finisher for the Lady Tigers as she placed 82nd with a personal best time of 19:38.86.

“Valerie had a really good race,” DeGrado said.

Sophomore Cecilia Burley (19:49.66) placed 94th, while freshman Elly Adamson finished 174th with a personal best time of 20:50.26.

“Elly really stepped up and helped the team out tremendously,” DeGrado said.

The University of Arkansas finished first at the meet, while Missouri Southern State University placed second.

The Lady Tiger runners will now prepare to take part in the Oklahoma State University Jamboree held Oct. 3 in Stillwater, OK.

“I think we will have a better showing than we have ever had there,” DeGrado said. “It will be a good course for the girls to run on.”

Cowley results:
(28) Robin Ray, 18:40.36; (82) Valerie Bland, 19:38.86; (94) Cecilia Burley, 19:49.66; (174) Elly Adamson, 20:50.26; (178) Bailey Hawkins, 20:52.72; (184) Marvia Lewin, 20:56.99; (198) Jessica Dyer, 21:03.64; (220) Cassy Kendrick, 21.18.11.