Judson Runners Break Five Personal Records in St. Francis Invite
Joliet, IL The Judson University Cross Country teams began their 2021 season on Friday at the St. Francis Saints Twilight. It was a great showing amid a fast pace between men's and women's races.
For the men's team, the race was only a 5k. So it did not factor into qualification standards, it was rather a "rustbuster." Freshman Josphat Chumba led the way finished 11th overall in a tough field with 15:27.27. The second and third team finishers were Juan Villagomez (16:41.4) and Jaret Godinez (17:17.3), while two Freshman, Gage Fox (17.18.6) and Kyle Braund (17:26.3), were the team's fourth and fifth place finishers.
The Judson Women's team was led by Senior Marie Mayer (10:35.8) followed by Kasey Moreno (20:22.7). Nayeli Cisneros (20:46.6) and Eva Serrato (20:59.5) finished third and fourth. Maria Alarcon (21:48.6) and Laysha Hernandez (21:50.6) were the team's fifth and sixth finishers. Laysha made a brave risk in the halfway through and it paid off resulting in a big personal record.
Head Coach Cam Knudsen was really impressed on how both men and women ran on Friday. "Overall, we are way ahead of where we were last season at this time," he said. "We had person records between the two teams, and it's only the first meet of the year. Our focus now is to keep the momentum to get ready for our next meet in Peoria."
Both the men's and women's teams compete this weekend at Bradley's Invite.