With Morrison Stadium and Sokol Arena buzzing with soccer and volleyball games last weekend for homecoming, the cross country teams had the weekend off from competition. A week later, both teams are back on the course, their second meet of four in the month of October.
Today’s meet, hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, takes place at the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course. Known for its scenic routes, demanding paths, and spectator-friendly layout it has gained nationwide acclaim.
Two weeks ago the Bluejays ran in Salem, Oregon at the Charles Bowles Invitational. In their first meet outside the state of Nebraska this season, the teams were at their best. With just two meets in September, Chas Davis was able to get a few more practices in before having them compete.
Here are a few highlights from the Charles Bowles Invite. On the men’s side Chris Culhane, a sophomore from Wisconsin, ran the 5th fastest 8K in school history when he ran 25:22. He improved his time from the prior meet by over 45 seconds. Sophomore Tom Shimp clocked in at 27:00. A large improved from the 28:46 he ran in Lincoln. Freshman Colin Honeker went from 29:48 to 27:32.
For the women, they continue to be lead by freshman. Freshman Slaine Kelly, 18:36, missed the freshman record by three seconds for 5K. That time puts her 9th on the all-time 5K list at Creighton. Throughout the season, the women will alternate between 5K and 6K. In the season opening meet at Chili Greens, Kelly ran the 5K course in 19:54. Sophomore Elizabeth Timberlake showed great improvement between the two 5K meets. She went from running to 22:55 to 20:45. Freshman Megan Wilderson completed the course in 19:22 which is 1:18 better than what she ran in the season opener.
Chas Davis and the coaching staff keep the team improving from week to week. Nearing the halfway mark of the season, the runners will only get better.
