Wooster, Ohio – September 1, 2009 – The Heidelberg University men’s and women’s cross country teams were impressive in their first outing on the year. Heidelberg traveled to Wooster, Ohio to take part in the unscored Wooster Invitational. The men’s team ran a 5k, while the women covered a 4k course.
A sweep of the top-six spots highlighted the men’s season-opening race. Leading the way was Devin Butcher (Bowling Green, Ohio / Bowling Green) with a first place finish in 16:31.00. In his first collegiate race, Robert Over (Wadsworth, Ohio / Wadsworth) followed Butcher in 16:52.00.
Jake Lemon (Oak Harbor, Ohio / Oak Harbor) (17:09.00) and Jordan Karnes (Edgerton, Ohio / Edgerton) (17:12.00) finished third and fourth, respectively.
Rounding out the top-five was John Gogle (Sunbury, Ohio / Big Walnut) with a time of 17:15.00, while John Distler (Mentor, Ohio / Mentor) was sixth in a time of 17:21.00.
Joining Over on the list of newcomers was Kevin Neel (Wellington, Ohio / New London). Neel finished eighth (17:43.00) to put all seven Heidelberg runners in the top-10.
On the women’s side, five of Heidelberg’s seven runners were making their collegiate debut. Bobbi Custer (Woodstock, Ohio / Triad) led the way for the Berg in eighth in a time of 16:23.00.
Posting top-25 finsihes was Michelle Fitch (Kinsman, Ohio / Badger) (17:45.00), Natalie Ahlers (St. Mary’s, Ohio / St.Mary’s) (18:34.00), Jessica Jones (Wauseon, Ohio / Wauseon) (18:39.00) and Amy Dunham (Ellicott City, Md. / Centennial) (18:40.00).
Also taking part in the 4k race was Alison Marty (Amherst, Ohio / Amherst Steele) (19:49.00) and Taylor Bloom (Tiffin, Ohio / Columbian) (20:20.00).