Big Improvements for IHCC Runners

Grinnell, IA -- The Indian Hills women's cross country team saw a big improvement in times over the previous meet as the Warriors took part in the Les Duke Invitational, hosted by Grinnell College, on Saturday.

All three of the IHCC runners posted faster times from the Dutch Invitational the previous week.

Leading the way was Sarah Keith (Ottumwa), who finished in 36th place in 27:16 over the 6K course at Oakland Acres.  That was Keith's best time, by 1:23, of the fall.

Addison Kepner (Centerville) improved her time by 1:18, running 27:53.  And Sage Richmond (Fairfield) made the biggest improvement for IHCC, lowering her time from the previous week by 2:10 and finishing three seconds behind Kepner in 27:56.

IHCC coach Jim Streeby pointed out that the womens' previous best team average was 29:19 and they lowered that to 27:42 for this meet.

"It was great weather, a good field of teams and an IHCC team eager to run a strong race," Streeby said.  "Everyone on the women's team set a season personal best, an impressive performance by them."

The Warriors' next meet will be the Brissman-Lundeen Invitational in Rock Island, Ill. and Streeby said they need to go back to work and get stronger and faster.

Keith Leads IHCC at Dutch Invitational

Pella, IA -- Taking advantage of what her coach calls "a good summer running program," Indian Hills freshman Sarah Keith led the IHCC women's cross country team in Saturday's Dutch Invitational hosted by Central College.

Keith, from Ottumwa, ran the 6K course in 28:39 and finished in 36th place in the meet that was run at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex.

Indian Hills had two other runners take part in the invitational, sophomore Addison Kepner from Centerville, who ran 29:11, good for 42nd place, and freshman Sage Richmond from Fairfield, who finished in 30:06 and 48th place.

Streeby said, "This was our first meet to compete at the 6K distance. Getting in good training has been a little more difficult because of the high temps, but we have not missed a day of training. We have had to shorten some workouts and find shade where possible and have fluids available."

The times early in the season have reflected the reduced training, according to the IHCC coach. "Our times can only get better as the season progresses," said Streeby. "We have eight weeks left in the season to work into faster times. But all teams in Iowa are facing this same situation. The runners with the best summer program are going to have a big advantage right now."

Indian Hills will take part in the Les Duke Invitational in Grinnell this Saturday.