Four top 10 finishers propelled the Drake men’s cross-country team to a victory at the Walt Disney Cross Country Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex this past Saturday in Orlando, Fla.
It didn’t feel like a Florida day, with rain falling while the men were running. On top of that, the men didn’t know any of the teams they were up against- the team was literally in uncharted waters.
Despite all of this adversity, the Bulldogs still found success.
“It was a different race with all the rain and stuff, but personally I thought it was more enjoyable,” said sophomore Brogan Austin after placing second overall. “We could run through ponds and the rain was pouring; that made it that much more interesting.”
The team had three top-five finishers: Austin, sophomore Omet Kak in fourth and senior Colin Hagan in fifth. Coming in ninth was senior Ben Jaskowiak, who was followed by junior Charlie Lapham in 11th.
Head coach Dan Hostager was pleased with the performance but expressed a need for improvement.
“The team competed well, but we have a ways to go before conference championships,” Hostager said.
This marks the fourth victory of the season for Drake. The team will prepare for its final regular season meet this week. The Bulldogs run in the Bradley Classic in Peoria, Ill., this Friday.
