Netherton knocks off the knee pain at Colorado College Invite

By Coach Seal

A crisp and cool morning welcomed the Bulldog cross country squads to Colorado Springs on Saturday for the Colorado College Invitational.   The meet served as a homecoming for Seniors Wes Hoffert, Shane Netherton, and Pete Samland.  It was the first time in their collegiate careers that they were able to compete in their home state. 

          The Bulldogs were led this week by Shane Netherton who competed for the first time this season after fighting nagging knee pains for the previous three weeks, finishing in 30:05 for eight kilometer race.  Following closely behind was freshman Troy Hernandez, who completed the course in 30:24.  The third and fourth spot on the team came down to a sprint to the finish with Wes Hoffert barely edging out sophomore Nathan Porter, 31:01 to 31:03.  Fifth man honors belonged to junior Aaron Borger coming in with a time of 32:29.  Our sixth and seventh replayed the battle of Hoffert and Porter, as Pete Samland out kicked freshman Bryan Grosbach to finish in 33:42 to Bryan’s 33:48. 

          The lone Lady Bulldog Michelle Schultz turned in a solid performance on the morning shaving more than twenty seconds off her time from the previous week.   Michelle covered the 5K course in 24:42.

“I was very pleased with the Bulldog’s performance.  Our goal after last week was to go out a tad bit slower in order to maintain a faster pace throughout the entire race.  We did go out slower and we had much more even mile splits through the race.  Now we will be focusing on attaining the level of fitness we need so all the splits become faster and faster.  The 6700ft elevation hurt our lungs a little too this race, but the trip was about more than just racing.   We really had a great time this weekend.   The Colorado kids(and one Missouri kidJ) were able to see family, while some were treated to being in the mountains for the first time in their lives.  Thanks to all the alums and family who came out to support the Bulldogs.   Your presence and cheering was appreciated by all.”

The Bulldogs will be off this next weekend, but will return to action the 28^th of September when they travel to the Marion Reservoir for the Tabor Invite.