Cross Country Teams Finish Second at Black Hills State

Women's Results
Men's Results

BILLINGS, Mont. – It was another good showing for the Montana State Billings men’s and women’s cross country teams, as both teams took home a second place finish in the Yellow Jacket Invite Thursday evening at Black Hills State University.

“Our teams are performing at the highest levels ever seen in our program,” said Dave Coppock, MSUB head coach. “Our returning runners who raced on this same course two years ago were almost two minutes faster than their previous times, so they've made a lot of progress in that period of time. The other programs have gotten better as well, so at least we're remaining competitive.”

On the women’s side, the Yellowjackets scored a total of 55 points, 23 points behind host, Black Hills State. MSUB placed four of its seven runners in the top 15, three of which were in the top 10.

Sarah Jackson turned in one of the best times in her career, placing third for the Jackets in a time of 17:11.17. Katie Thiel would come in just seven seconds behind Jackson, finishing sixth with a 17:18.25.

Finishing out the top 15 for the Yellowjackets were Mary Owen in 10th (17:35.54) and Mykel Ler in 11th (17:36.50). The Yellowjacket runners ran an average time of 17:36.66 for the meet.

Abi Bever of Black Hills State won the 4k race in a time of 16:54.23, seven seconds ahead of Lela Carpenter. The Jackets finished ahead of Rocky Mountain College in third, South Dakota School of Mines, Dickinson State and Gillette Community College.

In the men’s race, MSUB was paced by Daniel Lombardi in 14th overall with a time of 21:36.93. Tyson Vanderby was second for the Jackets, finishing 22nd overall with a 21:59.16.

The Yellowjackets were staggered behind Vanderby as Taylor Canfield (22:05.69) and Brian Potter (22:14.94) finished 24th and 26th, respectively.

The men’s race was won by Wesley Cheruiyot, of Gillette CC, covering the 6k course in a time of 20:06.21. The team race was also won by Black Hills State with 28 points. The Jackets, Rocky Mountain College and Gillette CC were all tied for second, but because MSUB’s sixth runner, Chase Robinson, finished ahead of both teams’ sixth runner, MSUB was awarded second place.

The Yellowjackets will be back on the course next Saturday, Sept. 18, at 9 a.m. at the Montana State Invitational in Bozeman, MT.