On Aug. 26, the Indiana University Kokomo women’s cross-country team impressed at the Cougar Classic, placing second out of three teams in their first race of the season. The team was led by freshmen Leslie Sprankles who placed sixth overall running a 20:31. Coming right behind Sprankles was fellow freshmen Joy McDivitt, who placed seventh with a 20:43. Senior Casey Lechner captured ninth place running a 20:49. Sophomore Ella Kantz placed 14th running a time of 21:47. Senior April Chrisman rounded out the Cougars top five running a 22:10, earning 17th place.  

“The freshmen definitely showed us how much their spot on the team means to them,” Lechner stated after the race. “I’m excited to be back racing after tough training in the summer, and I look to cherish every last memory I make on this team.” 

This was the Cougars’ first meet of the year, racing three other schools at Kokomo’s Northview Church. St. Francis University on the women’s side was nationally ranked last year, garnering enough votes to put them at 20th in the nation.

“Overall I think the women ran very well. I think we can make a run for a conference championship this season,” Coach Jordan Fivecoate said. “The men looked rough but we will bounce back.” 

The men placed third out of four teams, besting St. Francis. They were led by Sophomore Drew Caldwell who placed seventh with a time of 16:36, which is a 28-second personal best for him.  

“To shatter my personal record is a big confidence booster going into the season excited to see what else I can do,” Caldwell said. “Obviously, it sucks to lose to a conference opponent, but it will only make us better in the long run.” 

Coming in next was Junior Luis Saldana, who ran a 16:51 placing 10th. Next up for the Cougars was Senior Cyrus Felger who placed 16th running a 17:09. Senior Bryce Jennings placed 18th with a time of 17:47. Freshman Bryce Stateler came in right after Jennings, placing 19th with a time of 17:51. Junior Nathan Lozoya rounded out the pack placing 20th with a time of 17:54.  

Shawnee State also attended, and on the men’s side, they are currently ranked 15th in the nation. River States rival Ohio Christian also participated at the meet.

This was the third annual Cougar Classic and the second time it was hosted at Northview Church in Kokomo. This year is IU Kokomo’s turn to host the conference meet. The Cougars will return to Northview on Sept. 17, for a conference preview invitational and again on Nov. 5 for the conference meet.  

The Cougars will next race at the Twilight Classic in Marion Indiana on Sept. 9, where they will face steep competition as multiple nationally ranked teams will also be in attendance.