Augusta, Kan- The Friends University Women's (4K) & Men's (6K) Cross Country teams competed today (Sept. 1) at the JK Gold Invite in Augusta, Kan.  

The Lady Falcon XC team placed fifth out of six complete teams today.  Nicole Ballard (SO/Haviland, Kan.) led the way for our Falcons today in what was a very hot and humid morning of racing.  Closely right behind her was senior Christa Titus. These two have been known to be a 1-2 punch.  

Newcomer Kara Simmons (SR/Lakin, Kan. ) finished third on the team for the Falcons in her first cross country race.

"Kara did outstanding job of just going out there and running," head coach Jason Parr said. "It was nice to have Miranda Tenove (JR/Olathe, Kan.) give us a boost today as she finished fourth on the ladies team." 

"We had some new freshman in Grace Garrison (FR/Clearwater, Kan. ) who did a great job of holding down the fifth place spot for our team today. We are looking forward to great things from her and Morgan Smith (FR/Wichita, Kan. ).  Our girls' team has a lot of talent with so many back on the roster for the 2018 season.  We know we have lots to learn and lots to grow from after today.  We look to improve next weekend at the Warrior Fest in Sterling Kan."

Friends University Women Results

24th- Nicole Ballard -15:47

26th- Christa Titus- 15:49

37th – Kara Simmons – 16:15

43rd – Miranda Tenove – 16:31

48th – Grace Garrison- 16:37

52nd- Payton Reaves (JR/Wichita, Kan.)- 16:53

53rd - Kara Zahariades (SO/Phoenix, Arizona) – 17:03

54th- Morgan Smith- 17:10

56th- Kayla Allen (SO/Lewiston, Maine)- 18:00

64th- Jaelyn Casanova (JR/Wichita, Kan. )- 19:40

65th –Jolene Jensen (FR/Exira, Iowa)- 21:54

67th- Rachel Winfield (FR/Wichita, Kan. )- 28:27

The men's cross country Falcons finished fourth out of five complete teams today at the JK GOLD INVITE. Leading the way was newcomer Jonathan Jones (FR/Derby, Kan. ) of Derby with a 28th place overall finish. 

It was nice to have Logan White (JR/Wichita, Kan.) back this with us," Parr said.  "He did not compete in this race last season due to some injuries.  He finished 36th overall and second for our Falcon men's team." 

"We had another strong finish from a freshman in Avery Stuever (FR/Towanda, Kan. ) from Circle HS.  He finished 39th overall today and was third for the men's team.  Newcomer Nathan Mier (FR/Wichita, Kan. ) had a very nice showing for his first college race today. Nathan was 40th overall today. Our men team has a lot of talent with so many new faces and returners on the roster for the 2018 season.  We know we have lots to learn and lots to grow from after today.  We look to improve next weekend at the Warrior Fest in Sterling Kan."

Friends Men Results

28th- Jonathan Jones- 20:21

36th – Logan White – 21:01

39th- Avery Stuever- 21:11

40th- Nathan Mier- 21:32

43rd – Logan Krenn (JR/Ponca City, Okla. )- 22:07

45th- Brett Martin (SR/Wichita, Kan.)- 22:51

48th- Alex Viscarra (JR/Wichita, Kan. )- 24:21

50th- Isaac Nelson (FR/Wichita, Kan. )- 25:16

51st- Jonathan Pettyjohn (SO/Broken Arrow, Okla.)- 25:35

Full Team Results:  https://www.tfrrs.org/results_search.html