CCC women take third in competitive field

The Colby Community College women's cross country teams in one of the most competitive races in the region. The Fort Hays State Tiger Open at Sand Plum in Victoria draws over 700 runners between two divisions.

With 19 teams competing, the CCC women finished third.

"At the Tiger Open, we got a real good look at some of the best teams in the region, as well as getting to go against other very competitive four-year universities," said head coach Cameron Rieth. "Our men and women threw it down over the weekend."

Eighteen of 20 Trojan runners that competed set personal bests.

On the women's side, freshman Winnie Kibet took 1:15 off her personal best with a time of 18:17.5, finishing third overall. Her performance was so strong she was named the KJCCC Runner of the Week. 

"Sharon Kimutai and Breanna Pratt both came out of the woodwork with two minute personal bests and Jess Ixta came back from a little injury to throw down a 45-second," Rieth added. 

The achievments at the Tiger Open left the Lady Trojans believing they are at a level to compete with the best.

"If we walked away with one thing, it is that we are at least in the discussion," Rieth said. "You never know what will happen on race day.  We still have a lot of work to do in the next three weeks, and we only take it one day at a time."

Up next for both men and women Trojan teams is the Region VI Championships in Hutchinson on Oct. 29.