Runners Compete in Jim Drews Invitational
La Crosse, Wis - The Crown College men and women runners set several personal records at the team’s first-ever participation at the Jim Drews Invitational in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The meet featured 33 college teams representing all three NCAA divisions.
Summer Pfaff led the Storm women finishing the 6K course in a personal best time of 26:06. Following Pfaff was Cherie Hecimovich (28:41), Hannah Dean (28:48), Kelsey Morrow (28:53), Natalie Merboth (29:26), Erika Stampf (29:50), and Becca McBride (35:04). Morrrow and McBride also set all-time personal best times.
“Even our women who didn’t set personal best times ran well today,” said coach Rick Peterson. “Summer (Pfaff) has been staying up with several of the men in practice and it really shows on race day. In the past two weeks the ladies have improved considerably; even while battling some of the illness that’s going around.”
In the men’s 8K race; illness forced top runner Mike Palmer to slow; however Vince Elmhorst ran well leading the team in 30:44. Following Elmhorst was Simon Kulzer (31:59), Kyle Pitts (32:37), Palmer (33:00), and Adam Fuerst (34:48).
“Kyle (Pitts) had a break-through day and Adam (Fuerst) also ran a personal best time,” said Peterson. “The course was sloppy from all the rain which didn’t help times; however I was pleased with the intensity and competitiveness that both our men and women showed.”
The Storm men and women runners next compete on Saturday, October 31 at the UMAC Conference Meet that will be held at Crown College.
