WKU Cross Country concluded their participation at the Southern Showcase with notable career bests and strong finishes. Senior Mary Dye led the women’s team with a 64th-place finish, while Jared Sandfoss once again topped the men’s team performance.
Men’s Race Highlights
In their first 8k race of the season, Jared Sandfoss led the Hilltoppers with a time of 26:13, securing a top spot for the second consecutive meet. Lipscomb transfer Cates Duncan, making his debut for WKU, finished as the second-best Hilltopper with a time of 26:20. Jake Younger, in his Hilltopper debut, finished fourth for the team with a time of 26:39. Overall, the men’s team placed 23rd.
Women’s Race Highlights
In the women’s 8k, senior Mary Dye set the pace for WKU, finishing 64th with a personal best time of 17:56. Kinley Kunkel, consistent with her previous meet, finished in 18:38. Addie Frisch improved her 5k time by a minute, crossing the line in 19:16. These performances led the women’s team to a 23rd-place finish, ahead of teams like Kennesaw State, Memphis, and Troy.
Notable Performances
- Mary Dye’s time of 17:56 was a personal record, improving by 45 seconds from the season opener.
- Jared Sandfoss led the men’s team for the seventh consecutive meet.
- Trevor Hudnall set a new personal best with a time of 26:22.
- Sophomore Michael House also recorded a personal best of 26:54.
Coach’s Comments
Head coach Lee Wood praised the team’s performance, noting, “Mary Dye had a huge breakout performance with a personal record of 17:56 today.” He added, “Overall, both teams have seen significant improvement over last year’s times and had several personal records today. It’s time for a good three-week training block before we race again in Louisville next.”
The WKU Cross Country teams will now prepare for their next competition in Louisville, aiming to build on their recent successes.
Team Results – Women
- Alabama – 52
- Louisville – 68
- Georgia Tech – 86
- Belmont – 116
- Vanderbilt – 125
23. WKU – 671
Team Results – Men
- Alabama – 41
- Belmont – 107
- Georgia Tech – 126
- Kentucky – 142
- Georgia – 153
23. WKU – 694
Individual Results – Women
64th – Mary Dye – 17:56*
133rd – Kinley Kunkel – 18:38
199th – Addie Frisch – 19:16
252nd – Kalina Urbaniak – 19:54
260th – Arielle Phillips – 20:04
Individual Results – Men
164th – Jared Sandfoss – 26:13
178th – Cates Duncan – 26:20
180th – Trevor Hudnall – 26:22*
199th – Jake Younger – 26:39
223rd – Michael House – 26:54*
259th – Wade Balcom – 27:18
282nd – Sam Brophy – 27:44
The Hilltoppers will head to Louisville, Kentucky for the Live in Lou Classic slated to run the morning of October 5.
