Pride runners wrap up regular season at Bradley Classic

PEORIA, Ill. – Clarke University Pride men's and women's cross-country teams wrapped up the Bradley "Pink" Classic Friday afternoon with the women placing in 13th out of 19 teams and the men's team finishing in 13th out of 17 teams, respectfully.

One week after senior Rory Bickler broke the school record in the 5k, Bickler would break another record, this time in the 6k with a time of 23:33.80.

Facing a handful of division one programs around the Midwest, the Pride had three top 100 place finishers between both teams as Bickler would place 33rd in her heat out of 181 runners and sophomore Jaycie Franco placed 80th overall for the women with a time of 24:55.00.

The men's top 100 runner was freshman Chesney Capron who earned 97th out of 178 racers with a time of 27:37.60. Drew Pate (28:17.70), Emmett Schwartzhoff (28:27.90), Bryce Kondos (28:43.90), Eric Chatham (28:48.50), and Kole Haverly (28:52.30) all crossed the finish line within 35 seconds of another.

On the women's team, freshman Samantha Callahan (27:20.90) and sophomore Allena Rowland (27:21.00) earned back-to-back placements at 127 and 128 with Lydia Radeke (27:48.20) close by finishing in 134th. Freshman, Lena Wilson would round out the women's team with a time of 30:52.90, respectfully.

Wrapping up the men's team, Cord Nietert (29:50.40), Charlie Juntunen (30:10.00), and Benjamin Vasquez (31:35.80) placed in 144th, 151st, and 159th, respectfully.

The Pride men's and women's cross-country teams will have time to prepare for the Heart of America Conference Championship meet on Nov. 4th in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.