Seven Trailblazer runners set new personal bests at Greater Louisville Classic

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Vincennes University Cross Country team hit the course Saturday morning to take part in the Greater Louisville Classic at Tom Sawyer State Park.

While the VU men's team placed 46th out of 62 teams competing, the Trailblazers were once again one of only a few two-year schools competing in this race. Including going up against many NCAA Division I programs.

Ian Boit was the pace setter for the Blazers Saturday morning, finishing the race with a time of 27:26.0.

Boit was followed closely by Ernest Momodu (27:36.6), Manamanya Opiew (27:51.5) and Walter Tanui (27:54.0).

The Vincennes five was rounded out by Reed Lawless, who finished with a time of 28:29.3.

Trey Browne and Austin Nigh also ran for VU, with Browne finishing with a time of 29:32.6 and Nigh just missing 30 minutes at 30:00.6.

"This was a great meet on the men's side, with six out of our seven runners setting personal bests," VU Assistant Cross Country Coach Tyler Steigenga said. "Ian led the way with his most consistent meet of the year, closing strong with a 5:15 last mile."

"Walter had a great first meet of the year, after dealing with a foot injury the past few weeks," Steigenga added. "He is rounding into shape fast and it will be exciting to see what he can do with a few more weeks of healthy training."

"The guys have been putting in some great workouts and it was awesome to see them produce some fast times," Steigenga said. "It was our best meet of the year, with our top five runners separated by just over a minute."

The VU women's team was not able to post a team score Saturday, as two Trailblazer runners, Daisie Kinnett and Kaitlyn Koenig, were unable to finish the race.

Kyra Young was the first across the line for the blue and gold, finishing with a time of 20:43.3.

Brittany Page and Hope Laughlin were not far behind, with Page crossing the finish line at 21:50.9 and Laughlin coming in at 23:03.3.

Kyra Davis finished the day for the Trailblazers, finishing with a time of 28:27.8.

"The highlight of the day was definitely Hope Laughlin," Steigenga added. "She had a great run and set a new personal best by 30 seconds. The goal going forward is to get our women's team healthy and back to full strength."

The VU runners will have two weeks to recover and heal before their next meet Saturday, Oct. 16 at the University of Evansville Invitational at Angel Mounds in Newburgh, Ind. The first race of the day is set to begin a 11 a.m. eastern.

This Invitational will serve as VU's final tune up before starting their postseason by competing in the NJCAA Cross Country Regionals Friday, Oct. 29 at Eastern Illinois University.

TEAM RESULTS

Men's 8K

VINCENNES 46, 1279 points

Ian Boit – 215, 27:26.0

Ernest Momodu – 237, 27:36.6

Manamanya Opiew – 260, 27:51.5

Walter Tanui – 263, 27:54.0

Reed Lawless – 304, 28:29.3

Trey Browne – 347, 29:32.6

Austin Nigh – 362, 30:00.6

Women's 5K

No team result

Kyra Young – 20:43.3

Brittany Page – 21:50.9

Hope Laughlin – 23:03.3

Kyra Davis – 28:27.8