Fibranz, Logsdon Lead Vikings

The Dana Vikings cross country team traveled to Yankton, S.D., over the weekend to compete in the Graphic Edge Invite.  The field at the Graphic Edge Invite included three ranked NAIA men’s and women’s teams and a ranked junior college men’s team. 

“This was a tough course for our runners to cover,” said Head Coach Marc Bierbaum.  “The weather is also a mystery for us.  Last week we were running in 90-degree temperatures, and this week it was chilly and wet.”

Chelsea Fibranz (SO, McPherson, Kan.) placed 32nd and was the top Viking runner.  Fibranz ran a season record on the tough course with a time of 20:13.  Jennifer Anderson (SR, Lincoln, Neb.) was the next Viking to cross the finish line.  Anderson placed 60th with a time of 21:03.  Paris Kono (FR, Waukee, Iowa) finished 69th with a time of 21:20.  Kono ran in only her second meet of the season and set her personal record in this meet.  Tabitha Kabala (SR, Davenport, Iowa) covered the course in 21:31 and placed 74th overall. 

“Chelsea is learning how to run at a different level,” said Bierbaum.  “She is still searching for that perfect race.  Tabitha had a tremendous finish.  Her senior experience helps her get better every week.”

The next two finishers for Dana were Amy Jackman (JR, Seward, Neb.) in 22:01 and  Leanna Kalvaledge (SO, Plainview, Neb.) in 22:37.  Kalvaledge set her personal best by over two minutes in this race.  Rounding out the Viking pack was Emily Johnson (FR, Sheridan, Ark.).  Johnson covered the course in 23:38. She also set her personal record in this meet. 

“The women ran great,” said Bierbaum.  “We are on the verge of making an impact.  The women are still searching for that race where everyone races great at the same time.”

Cory Logsdon (SO, Fort Calhoun, Neb.) continued to lead the Viking runners with a sixth place finish.  Logsdon covered the eight kilometer course in 25:54.  Logsdon was only five seconds behind the top Great Plains Athletic Conference competitor from Concordia.  Logsdon was followed by Kevin Bane (SO, Oakland, Iowa) and Eric Bane (SR, Oakland, Iowa).  Kevin Bane finished the race in 27:04 and in 35th place.  Older brother Eric finished in 44th place with a time of 27:21.

“Logsdon ran his best race of the year,” said Bierbaum.  “He is really making people recognize him as a contender in the conference individual race.  Kevin's emergence as a very solid runner is a huge positive for the team.”

The final four point earners for the Vikings were Mason Lantz (FR, Fairfield, Iowa), James Gerold (FR, Hastings, Neb.), Justin Nielsen (FR, Omaha, Neb.), and Bryson Pascua (SO, Pearl City, Hawaii).  Lantz placed 75th with a time of 28:11.  Gerold finished with a time of 28:43 in 101st place.  Nielsen covered the eight kilometer course in 28:56 and placed 115th.  Pascua gave Dana its final scoring points with his 117th place finish in 28:59.  Rounding out the Viking finishers were Tyler Petersen (SO, Blair, Neb.) in 30:09 and Chris Creal (FR, Omaha, Neb.) in 31:27. 

“The men ran great,” said Bierbaum. “We gained a lot of confidence today as a team knowing how well we can compete at full strength.  The field provided us with some great competition.  Both teams ran well and we are excited to see how we stacked up against some of the top teams in the area.”

The Vikings will travel to Crete, Neb., Saturday to participate in the GPAC Championships. 

For more information contact:  Shad Beam, Sports Information director at 402-426-7389 or sbeam@dana.edu or Francisco Lujan, Assistant Sports Information at flujan@dana.edu

Or 402-426-7949.