The Lancaster Bible College Cross Country teams took a trip to Langhorne, Pa. on Saturday for the United East Conference Preview hosted by Cairn University. Highlighting the day for the Men's team was a first-place finish for last year's Conference Champion, Mitchell Gray. Gray crossed the line in a time of 27:42.5, more than a minute before the next competitor. A team victory highlighted the action on the Women's side behind a second-place finish by Dana Keller, who finished the race in a time of 31:36.2. 

Coach Katy Latta shared her thoughts on the day: "Today was a good glimpse of where we are and where we want to go. We will work on some areas that can help us later in the season."

Men's Results

As mentioned, Mitchell Gray was the individual champion out of 83 runners, crossing in a time of 27:42.5, over a minute ahead of runner-up Patrick O'Donnell of Penn St. Berks who finished in a time of 28:50.8. The next three Chargers to cross the finish line did so in consecutive fashion. Daniel Lefko, Adam Horning, and Alex McWilliams finished 14th, 15th, and 16th respectively. Lefko crossed the line in a time of 31:44.6 followed closely behind by Horning who finished in a time of 31:49.2. Alex McWilliams crossed the line in a time of 32:21.9. Rounding out the scoring for the Chargers was Harry Gibson who crossed the line in a time of 33:35.7. Additional finishers are as follows: Jaden Royal (33:45.2), Ryan Barthelemy (35:43.2), Mark Wright (38:41.7), and Dustin Frantz (43:05.6).

As a team, Lancaster Bible finished second of eleven with 70 points, behind only Penn College who finished with 41 points. Rounding out the top five were SUNY Maritime (140), Valley Forge (140), and PSU Berks (141).

When asked about the day, Coach Katy Latta had the following to say, "They came out with a strong showing and we are pleased with the races each team member had."

Women's Results

The Women's team came away with the victory Saturday after earning a team score of 48 points, placing all five scorers in the top 20. They edged out second-place Cairn who finished with 66 points. Rounding out the top five on the Women's side were SUNY Maritime (111), Valley Forge (114), and Gallaudet (126).

Lancaster Bible placed two in the top ten, with Dana Keller placing second and Lydia Talbott placing seventh. Keller crossed the line in a time of 28:05.2 while Talbott crossed in a time of 31:36.2. The remaining three scorers all placed in the top 20 finishers. Abby Ames crossed the line 12th in a time of 33:20.7 with Lydia Goodling close behind, finishing in a time of 33:27.8 to earn 14th. Kenzie Baughman rounded out the scorers, crossing 20th in a time of 36:55.00. Additional finishers are as follows: Jurnee Acosta (21st, 37:07.5), Rosa Johnson (37:57.9), and Hannah Scott (42:21.9).

Coach Katy Latta has this to say about the day, "Potential is still the magic word. We believe we surprised a few people and hope to continue improving."

Up Next:
The Chargers return to action on Friday, September 22nd, when they host the Red & White Alumni Invite at 6:00 p.m.