FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Murray State College men's and women's cross country teams competed this afternoon in the Chile Pepper XC Festival, lining up against more than 500 NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA student-athletes in one of the toughest races on their fall schedule.

Women's Results
Freshman Erica Frass led the Aggies, finishing with a time of 20:44.2. She was followed by Christine Jebet Kurgat (21:36) and Cheyanne Herrier (22:25.3). Sophomore Brynn Custar crossed the finish line 13 seconds later at 22:38.7, while Zoë Jones posted a time of 24:02.2.
 
Completing Murray State College's lineup were Dakota Logan (25:09.4), Carlee Gayler (25:23.5), and Cassi Matlack (28:29.7).
 
In the team standings, Murray State College finished 24th. Union (Tenn.) claimed the team title with 135 points, followed by Rockhurst with 139 and Southeastern Oklahoma State with 141 points.
 
Men's Results
Kaleb Madron led the way for Murray State, clocking a time of 29:22.9 with a steady 5:54 per mile pace. Halen Pannell followed as the team's second finisher in 29:48.6, maintaining a strong rhythm through the middle stages of the race.

Shawn Weaver and Juan Flores came through next for the Aggies, both finishing in 34:14 (Weaver – 34:14.7, Flores – 34:14.9), working together to maintain a strong, consistent pace over the final miles. Alex Gomez followed in 34:51.5, while Josh Armstrong finished in 35:08.2.
 
In the team standings, Murray State College finished 24th. Saint Mary (Kan.) claimed the team title with 39 points, followed by Park (Mo.) with 69 and Rockhurst with 130 points.
 
Coach Wagner was pleased with his team's effort and progress following the race, saying, "I feel like we're in a really good spot right now as we prepare for the DBU race next week. We had some strong performances today despite the tougher weather, and we're setting ourselves up for a couple of really good meets moving forward."
 
The Aggies return to action next Saturday when they travel to Fort Worth, Texas to compete in the DBU Old Glory Gallop.
 
Assistant Sports Information Director: Jeremy Wagner | jwagner@mscok.edu
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