Patriot runner Jeff Chandler, left, paces himself with a teammate during UT Tyler Invitational on Saturday. Chandler finished second overall with a time of 27:36, but led the team's finish. Photo by Dillon White.
The Patriots’ Men and Women Cross Country teams had strong performances Saturday in their first race of the season. The Men’s team took first place, while the Women’s team placed second in the meet, which was held at the University.
The men scored 43 points in the race. Southwestern (Tex.) placed second, just seven points behind the Patriots. Sophomore Jeff Chandler was the Patriots’ top finisher. Chandler placed second with a time of 27:36.
Philbert Mutuyimana finished just two seconds behind Chandler. Ross Renfroe crossed the finish shortly after, finishing fifth with a time of 27:56. Northwood (Tex.) runner Alfred Kite took home the individual title with a time of 26:39.
The Women’s team finished their 5K race with 45 points to place second. Northwood (Tex.) took home first place with 60 points. They were led by Ashley Ehrhardt Northwood (Tex.), who took home the individual crown.
The Patriots were lead by Freshman Ginny Murphy who placed fourth. Murphy’s time of 20:36 puts her into second on the school’s all-time 5K list. Jessica Waninger placed seventh for the Patriots with a time of 20:53. Sara Hankla finished ninth, Baylee Talaska placed 12th and Natalie Holcomb placed 13th.
The Patriots’ next meet is planned for Sept. 19 at the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawk Invitational.
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