Rye Runs Fastest 5K in Over 30 Years as Statesmen Battle at IHCC Invite
Ottumwa–Claire Rye (So., Plymouth, Iowa, Biology) had one of the best performances in school history Friday as she led the William Penn women’s cross country team at the Indian Hills CC Invitational.
WPU placed seventh out of 10 teams with 177 points, while host Indian Hills CC tied Mount Mercy for first with 55 points. Mount Mercy won the tiebreaker by having the best individual runner.
Abby Knepper of Mount Mercy guided the 74-person field on the 5K course with a time of 18:17.66.
Rye was three spots back of the winner, hitting the line in 19:24.74. Her time is the third-fastest in school history in a 5K, while also being the best outing since Sarah Baier posted a 19:23 in 1994.
London Mellen (Fr., Tallahassee, Fla., Kinesiology) was next, placing 26th at 21:29.08, while Kennedi Wahmhoff (So., Manton, Mich., Elementary Education) was 35th at 22:00.58.
Amelia Hernandez (Fr., Lubbock, Texas, Nursing) completed the five kilometers in 24:12.17 (52nd), and Ava Huffman (Fr., Pella, Iowa, Human Services) was 72nd overall at 31:28.17.
“We only had five ladies running today, so we knew that no matter what, we had to fight to the finish,” Head Coach Caleb Silver said. “Claire ran confident up with the lead pack, and held her own. “London, Kennedi, Amelia, and Ava all fought well. It was another hot and muddy meet, but we are getting better as the season goes on.”
Next Up: William Penn takes a week off before finishing its regular season on Saturday, October 24 by traveling to Ashland, Neb. to compete in the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic. The race will commence at 10:45 a.m.
