KENOSHA, Wisc. (10/29/2016) – Junior
Ben Kendell was in the front pack all race long as he recorded runner-up status for the second-straight year at the Horizon League Championships on Saturday.
The 8k race was held at the Wayne Dannehl Championship Cross Country Course on the campus of UW-Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
As a team, Detroit Mercy tied for fifth totaling 123 points with four runners claiming top 30 spots.
"The conditions were tough today," said Director of Track and Field and Cross Country
Guy Murray '89. "The warm temperatures on a course softened up by the rain this week had everyone working hard."
Kendell was among the leaders all race long and would finish second in 25:08, just seven seconds behind the winner. The runner-up finish marked the third-straight year that a Titan would finish second at the league championships as Kendell did in last season and
Colin Creagh was second in 2014.
"Another tremendous race for Ben," said coach Murray. "He carried the field and made everyone earn it today. He takes the races and everyone has to be at their best. He will be a contender for an at-large NCAA qualifying spot as the 10k is to his strength."
He not only was runner-up at the Horizon League Championship for the second-straight season, it was also the third-straight HL meet that he was top seven to earn First Team All-League accolades. Kendell became the first Titan since Patrick Liederbach (2007-10) to take home at least three All-HL honors (Liederbach was four-time All-HL) and he is also the first Titan to post three top-five finishes at the Horizon League event.
Graduate senior
Austin Wigent was in the scoring five for the third-straight race taking 24th in 26:53. Freshman
James McCann came in at 26:55 for 25th and junior
Greg Ingle placed 29th in 27:06 for the fourth Titan in the top 30.
Junior
Charlie Felton crossed the finish line in 27:35 for 46th and freshman
Scott Smith was right behind him in 47th in 27:37.
"Men had a good day and very close to a great one. The veterans have been building all year with Wigent and Ingle moving up the whole race. McCann held on well and we battled as a team," added coach Murray.
Detroit Mercy will now get ready for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship, set for Friday, Nov. 11, at the University of Wisconsin's Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course.
TITAN FINISH
Team – 5th – 123 Points
Ben Kendell – 2nd – 25:08
Austin Wigent – 24th – 26:53
James McCann – 25th – 26:55
Greg Ingle – 29th – 27:06
Charlie Felton – 46th – 27:35
Scott Smith – 47th – 27:37
Adam Fraeyman – 51st – 27:42
Cody Smith – 62nd – 28:29
Brendan McClanahan – 76th – 29:00
Santana Scott – 77th – 29:06
