Nov. 1, 1999
The University of Missouri men's and women's cross country teams both finished third at the 1999 Big 12 Championships held at the Texas A&M Golf Course on Saturday (Oct. 30). Colorado swept both the team titles as well as the individual titles at the meet.
"This was our best race of the year for both teams," head coach Jeff Pigg said. "Both sides are really coming around at the right time of the season just like we thought."
On the women's side there were 6 team ranked in the top-25 competing in the race. No. 4 Colorado won the women's title with 62 points followed closely by no. 7 Kansas State with 77 points. MU's third-place score of 119 was two points better than No. 25 Nebraska's 121. Texas Tech finished 5th with 130 points while No. 14 Texas finished in the 6th position with 142 points.
"I thought we ran great," said Pigg. "This conference is the best in the country. We have six teams in the top-25 in this conference and to finish third is great."
Individually, the women were led by senior Anna Gullingsrud who placed 8th overall in a time of 17:26. Gullingsrud earned All-Conference honors based on her place at her first-ever Big 12 Championships. Freshman Amy Chipman continued to shine for the Tigers as she crossed the finish line in 17 minutes and 46 seconds. Chipman was again Mizzou's No. 2 runner while placing 18th overall. Sophomore Ann Marie Brooks finished 27th (18:05) and Katie Meyer was MU's No. 4 runner placing 30th (18:07). The Tiger's No. 5 runner was a pleasant surprise as freshman Kerry Hils stepped up big finishing 36th overall (18:16). It marked the first time this season Hils has been one of Missouri's top-five runners.
The other women to compete for Missouri were sophomore Kim Moore who placed 39th ( 18:18), junior Justa Dahl who finished 42nd (18:22), junior Sunny Gilbert who finished 57th (18:42) and freshman Ashley McLoed who placed 59th (18:47).
Coach Pigg was very pleased with his teams performances. "Anna really stepped up today. She led the team very well and I am very proud of her. The two freshman had awesome runs for their first Big 12 Championship meet. Katie and Ann Marie competed like they have for us all year, consistent and hard. I am very proud of this team."
The Tigers now have a week off before heading to Champaign, Ill. on November 13 to compete at the Region V Championships. At the Region meet, the Tigers will be looking to gain their fifth consecutive NCAA Championship berth.
Women's Team Results
1. No. 4 Colorado 62, 2. No. 7 Kansas State 77, 3. No. 24 Missouri 119, 4. No. 25 Nebraska 121, 5. Texas Tech 130, 6. No. 14 Texas 142, 7. No. 15 Baylor 150, 8. Iowa State 186, 9. Texas A&M 191, 10. Oklahoma State 253, 11. Oklahoma 294, 12. Kansas 337.
Individual Results (Winner and Missouri Only)
1. Kara Wheeler (CU) 16:48, 8. Anna Gullingsrud (SR) 17:26, 18. Amy Chipman (FR) 17:46, 27. Ann Marie Brooks (SO) 18:05, 30. Katie Meyer (JR) 18:07, 36. Kerry Hils (FR) 18:16, 39. Kim Moore (SO) 18:18, 42. Justa Dahl (JR) 18:22, 57. Sunny Gilbert (JR) 18:42, 59. Ashley McLeod (FR) 18:47.