DePauw University cross country began its season at the Wabash College Hokem Karem Saturday.
The event consisted of a relay race in which runners competed in teams of two. Each member from the men’s team ran four miles while each member of the women’s team ran three.
Having finished second at last year’s Hokem Karem, the men’s team repeated their success with a strong relay from senior Noah Gatwood and junior Paul Watts (39:29). First-year Polo Burgette and senior Will Bond were second on the team with a 39.45.9 finish. The team finished with a score of 16 points, placing them above of Danville Area Community College but behind Wabash.
With the addition of 11 freshman and the return of three of the four top runners from last year’s squad, the men’s team looks to consistently compete this season all the way into the North Coast Athletic Conference tournament, where they are looking to place in the top three.
“We’re confident we have the guys to accomplish that this year,” Gatwood said.
The women’s team swept the tri-meet with six points, their top three finishes from junior Heather O’Brien and senior Hope Jordan (35.59.2), seniors Stefanie Pavlick and Megan Everhart (36.39.8) and sophomores Rebecca Conley and Emma MacAnally (36.45.7).
Saint Mary’s College finished second with 15 points in the women’s event.
After coming up short in placing for the national meet last season, the team also looks to place in the top three at Conference.
“If we continue to keep our eye on nationals, we have all the ability to get there,” O’Brien explained.
Everhart was also optimistic about the season’s outlook.
“We are looking strong, so it should be a great season to watch,” she said.
Things pick up for the Tigers in September and October as the team will compete in the Indiana Collegiates (Sept. 19), the Earlam Invitational (Oct. 4th) and the Brooks Invitational (Oct. 18th). Early November will mark the start of Conference competition as they head off to Granville, Ohio.
