The Emporia State cross country team opened its season on Saturday at the Bob Timmons Invitational in Lawrence, and just like last season, Katie Mona and Skyler Delmott led the way for the Hornets.
Mona finished sixth to help the ESU women to a fifth-place finish in the eight-team field.
“Katie ran a very good race in her first race since taking time off after the U.S. Junior Track and Field Championships (at) the end of June,” ESU coach Dave Harris said. “Her training has been very good since taking a much-needed break in July.”
The Hornet men had four runners finish in the top 26 and placed fourth in the nine-team field. Delmott led the way in 13th, followed by Adam McGovern in 18th, Asher Delmott in 20th and Will Hohmeier in 25th.
“We had a nice group of 1-4 up front, led by Skyler, with less than a minute between this group,” Harris said.
Chris Dvorak led the second-tier of Hornets, finishing in 35th. Andrew Wayman finished 46th, Ryan Hahn finished 50th, Trey Brokaw finished 58th and Cody Burns finished 59.
“Chris Dvorak ran his best race as a Hornet to come in the all-important fifth position — his first time to accomplish that for our program,” Harris said. “We need to work on getting our five-through-nine spots up closer to the top group. They are capable but need to test themselves in workouts coming up to stay closer. Training is our prime focus right now, and we have only been together as a team for three weeks.”
For the ESU women, Morgan Frehe finished 26th, Christy Weller finished 34th, Jaci Willse finished 39th, Kathryn Davison finished 42nd, Tiffany Baum finished 45th, Kylie Bookout finished 47th and Hannah Burr finished 53rd.
“Our other women will need to close the gap to Katie and run better with each other,” Harris sad. “Morgan and Christy had nice races coming off a tough training week. I was also pleased with Jaci Wilse in her first collegiate race as a freshman. She will help us solidify our top five this year. Some of the women just need some good weeks of training to build into shape.”