The Harding cross-country team is blazing through this year’s season with its national ranking, several wins and a collegiate title.
The cross-country teams have run three meets this season. There have been one win for men and two for the women, and like past years they are running strong.
Both teams are ranked nationally with the men at 25 and the women at 24.
The teams took all in the Pensacola, Fla., meet to begin the month of October with both men and women finishing first. Senior Philip Biwott brought the men’s team recognition, winning a collegiate title.
This year, Harding has joined the newly formed Great American Conference. This is a unique conference because it is smaller than the former Gulf Coast Conference in which Harding was competing.
The teams are now getting ready for the conference meet on Oct. 22. The men’s team is keeping an eye out for East Central Oklahoma, who will be considered their main rival this year. Senior Ryan Johnson said the team is confident about going into the conference.
“[ECO] are a very beatable team,” Johnson said. “[Harding] has a rich history of success.”
The women’s team said they are just as confident with their running.
“We’re really good this year,” senior Allison Dixon said. “Honestly, we’re really good.”
Harding will be the host of the conference race this year, which is a big source of excitement for both teams.
“It is very exciting to have a home meet that actually means something and has some reason for people to come out and watch,” Johnson said.
The GAC meet will be held at Wyldewood Retreat Center. The women run at 9:30 a.m. followed by the men at 10:30 a.m., with awards at 11:30 a.m. in the Ganus Athletic Center.
With the meet in close proximity to campus, the team members are excited for people to come out and cheer them on.
“It helps to have people out there cheering; it makes you run faster,” Johnson said.
The girls said they agree that some support is appreciated.
“Even if you’re just yelling ‘Go Harding’ it really helps,” Dixon said.
Both teams aim to gain and hopefully win conference this year, giving them a good look down the road into nationals.
