Union University men’s cross country has performed well so far this season, bringing home a third and fourth-place finish in their last two races. Even with some injuries along the way, the team has grown together, persevered and with one invitational left in the season, they look to be in good form.
The season kicked off with a 12-place finish at the City Auto Memphis Twilight Cross Country Classic. They were the fourth-highest finishing division two team with conference rivals Christian Brothers University finishing in 11th place. Ryan Keeton, junior engineering major, recorded the best time of 21:26 in the four-mile race which placed him 48th overall.
The team started taking form in the Rhodes College Invite, finishing in third place. This was a great performance for the team. Union finished with three runners in the top 20 overall with Tristian Kelly, junior exercise science major, leading the team with a 26:49 time. Again, Union was one place behind Christian Brothers for the second race in a row. The performance was a great showing of what the team could do, but they just needed a little extra push to get past Christian brothers.
Keeton, who has been the top finisher for Union in two of the three races, kept it simple on what the team needs to do to get better.
“At this point, we’re really trying to hammer some speed and just get faster. Plain and simple,” Keeton said. “Our team is the closest it’s ever been, and everyone has a positive look on the season.”
Union showed their speed in their most recent race, finishing fourth in the Arkansas Chili Pepper Race. This is the biggest race they have all season in terms of competition and number of teams. Union was able to prove some dominance with three top-50 finishes out of 271 runners. Union was led by an amazing 11th-place finish from Keeton with a dominant 27:01 time. Also, Union was able to beat Christian Brothers easily, leaving them to finish 15th in the competition.
Despite the last two races going well, the team faced some tough obstacles in injuries and heat exhaustion. One runner during the Arkansas race pushed himself to the max, leading to heat exhaustion and then passing out and having to go to the hospital. These kinds of scary moments are when the team comes together the most.
Micah Winn, senior business administration major, explains how the past race did not just make the team better but reminded them why they run in the first place.
“I believe this event helped our team remember the gift and blessing it is to run,” Winn said. “It is only by God’s grace we can do what we love to do, and we want to work hard together to encourage each other.”
With one more race left in the season before the conference championship, the team plans to continue their performance.
Union will close the season at the Alabama Huntsville Invitational on Oct. 7.