California Baptist University
Lewis University Conference Cross Over (8K)
CBU Continues To Impress
10/7/2017 6:30:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Cross Country, Cross Country & Track
CHICAGO — California Baptist University continued its stellar running Saturday morning at the Lewis University Conference Crossover.
The No. 9-ranked Lancers knew they would be in for a battle facing ranked competition, but came well prepared and followed their race plan. CBU ultimately took second, finishing with 121 team points, behind third-ranked Grand Valley State, which finished in first with 55 points. The Lancers also took down No. 6-ranked Southern Indiana (third with 150 points), as well as host school, Lewis (fifth with 205 points), among beating other ranked competition.
"We know we have a good group of guys and today we just wanted to make a statement by showing that," said Coach Ben Gall. "It was real fun to see everyone compete so hard and beat some really tough schools."
Once again, the Lancers were led by true freshman McMarshall Hartzenburg as he finished fourth overall with a time of 24 minutes, 57 seconds.
"McMarshall was really just up there fighting for the win the whole time," said Gall. "He hung in there until the end and was able to beat some of the top-ranked racers, in only his second time in a CBU uniform."
"I really enjoyed the whole run," said Hartzenburg. "It got a little tough towards the end but my teammates' great support only helped me push stronger in the end."
Not too far behind Hartzenburg was Simon Bedard, who took seventh overall with a time of 25:07.2. Dennis Messmer came in third for the Lancers and 34th overall, posting a time of 25:44.4. Micro Zenzen followed right behind with a final time of 25:47.7 securing 39th place, while Jonah Ross took 45th in 25:49.3.
Pierre-Louis Detourbe (25:52.2), Michael Lowrie (25:54.1) and Elliot Choe (26:38.3) rounded out the top-six Lancers. Jayden Emerson clocked in at 26:48.1, followed by Mike Alukunyang, who clocked in at 27:11.7, while Jacob Boatman finished in 27:31.5.
CBU looks to keep momentum rolling as it heads to Oakland for the PacWest Championship on Oct. 21, looking for the Lancer's seventh-straight crown.
"We know we're ready for the PacWest and we're hoping to run right through that as well," added Gall.
Players Mentioned
