Sept. 1, 2001

WICHITA, Kan. -- The University of Missouri's first cross country meet of the season, the 52nd Annual JK Gold Classic hosted by Wichita State University, was a positive one for the Tigers and head coach Jared Wilmes.

"It was a good starter," Wilmes said. "We're just preparing for later in the season and that's what we did. We're just really pleased with the good start of our season."

The women placed second out of seven teams in the 5K behind Big 12 rival Kansas State University with 43 points. Junior Amy Chipman was the runner-up with her time of 18:14.77. In her collegiate debut, freshman Serena Ramsey (18:40.21) came in seventh place and her finish was second for the team.

The men finished third out of nine teams in the four mile run behind first-place Oklahoma State University and runner-up Wichita State. Sophomore Ryan Hampton (20:54.92) led the men with his seventh overall finish. Senior Steve Wade finished 13th in a time of 21:07.50.

"I was really pleased with how we did," Wilmes said. "Overall it was a very nice performance."

Wilmes was also pleased with the performance of the freshmen, including Ramsey's seventh-place showing for the women.

"You never know where (the newcomers) are going to finish, especially at the beginning of the season," Wilmes said. "They just had very good races."

The Missouri Challenge on Sept. 15 is next for the Tigers. It is the only home meet of the season and will be held at A.L. Gustin Golf Course.