Sept. 10, 2005
Final Stats
Columbia, Mo. - Opening the 2005 cross country season at home, the Tiger men's and women's teams took first place honors in the 12th annual Missouri Cross Country Challenge today on A.L. Gustin Golf Course earning 15 and 24 points, respectively. Senior Tim Ross (Alto, Mich. ) collected his third individual title on the 8K course, crossing the line first for the men (25:45.06), while senior Valerie Lauver (Allen, Texas ) finished second overall and first for the Tiger women in 17:57.94 (5K). Senior Desiraye Osburn of Wichita State took first in the women's race (17:33.07).
Competing against teams from Illinois State, Maryville University (St. Louis), UMKC and Wichita State, the Missouri men proved dominant in the mid-morning run, sweeping the top six finishes. Ross' win was his second straight at the Missouri Cross Country Challenge and third of his collegiate career. Redshirt freshman Michael Barrows (Flint, Mich.) finished second (25:45.29) and senior Matt Noonan (Baldwin City, Kan.) took third (25:45.49). Sophomore Billy Bell (Chesterfield, Mo.), newcomer Garrett Jeffries (Clarkson Valley, Mo.) and junior Colten Green (Roach, Mo.) rounded out the top six for the Tiger team.
"It's hot and I thought it was more important to run together as a team," Head Coach Jared Wilmes said. "We were in the front so it was better to stay together and not run against each other for the top spots."
"That was a great breakthrough for Michael Barrows and it gave him a lot of confidence," Wilmes said.
On the women's side, senior Amanda Bales (Bettendorf, Iowa) raced to a third place finish (18:03.56) with sophomore Maddie Schueler (Louisville, Ky.) closing out the day in fourth (18:05.59). Five Tiger women earned top-10 finishes as seniors Kristin Hansen (Milford, Iowa ) and Ashley Patten (Clarkston, Mich. ) took ninth and 10th respectively.
"You try to take it one meet at a time," Assistant Coach Rebecca Wilmes said. "Today was a day where we had a chance to see where we are in competition. I think we had a good meet."
Up next for the Tigers, both the men's and women's teams will travel to Joplin, Mo., Saturday, Sept. 17, for the Missouri Southern Stampede. The men will run an 8K race beginning at 9 a.m., followed by the women's 5K race slated for a 9:45 a.m. start.
Men's Winner Women's Winner 2005 Tim Ross (MU) Desiraye Osburn (Wichita State) 2004 Tim Ross (MU) Jill Peterson (MU) 2003 Jason Bill (Illinois) Amanda Bales (MU) 2002 Tim Ross (MU) Valerie Lauver (MU) 2001 Cancelled after September 11 2000 Adam MacDowell (MU) Kerry Hils (MU) 1999 Adam MacDowell (MU) Ann-Marie Crooks (MU) 1998 Adam MacDowell (MU) Sarah Korir (McKendree) 1997 Mike Pitts (MU) Erin Windler (MU) 1996 Ray Hughes (MU) Kristen Allen (MU) 1995 Ray Hughes (MU) Kristen Allen (MU) 1994 Chad Williamson (MU) Trisha Allen (Drake)