Viking Cross Country at Cyclone Invitational

The Dana Cross Country teams opened up their year at the Cyclone Invitational in Ames, Iowa, on Saturday afternoon.  The Vikings competed against Iowa State University, Iowa Central Community College, and Iowa State Alumni.  There were no team results kept for this meet.

“The Iowa State meet was a great first meet for both the men and the women,” said first-year Head Coach Marc Bierbaum.  “It proved to be a challenging field for the Viking runners. “

The Viking runners squared off against the wet and hilly ISU course.  Cory Logsdon (SO, Ft. Calhoun, Neb.) was the top finisher for the men’s team.  Logsdon covered the course in 28:08.2 and placed 17^th.  James Gerold (FR, Hastings, Neb.) finished in 22^nd with a time of 28:26.9.  Andrew Palmblade (SO, Hastings, Neb.) was two seconds behind in 23^rd place with a time of 28:28.5.  Dana’s lone senior, Eric Bane (Oakland, Iowa), placed 28^th with a time of 28:50.4.  Kevin Bane (JR, Oakland, Iowa) placed 30^th with a time of 29:06.5. 

Other Viking runners were Mason Lantz (FR, Fairfield, Iowa) in 33^rd (32:17.8), Justin Nielsen (FR, Omaha, Neb.) in 36^th place (32:24.2), Bryson Pascua (SO, Pearl City, Hawaii) in 37^th place (32:30.8) and Dan Staehlin (FR, Omaha, Neb.) in 40^th place (32:32.6).  Three Vikings did not compete due to sickness and injury.  There were a couple of Dana runners who did not have their time properly recorded due to timer errors.

“The guys ran very well though and will only gain confidence from their performance,” said Bierbaum.  “We are looking forward to see where we stand at the Woody Greeno meet in Lincoln this upcoming week.

The complete men’s results can be found at http://www.cyclones.com//pdf3/84143.pdf?SPSID=94165&SPID=11525&DB_OEM_ID=10700.

Chelsea Fibranz (SO, McPherson, Kan.) was the top placer for the women’s team.  Fibranz placed 16^th with a time of 20:49.2.  Tabbi Kabala (SR, Davenport, Iowa) placed 23^rd with a time of 22:03.3.  Amy Jackman (JR, Seward, Neb.) was 24^th in 22:22.2.    Jen Anderson (SR, Lincoln, Neb.) kept up the Viking pace by finishing in 25^th with a time of 22:32.3. 

Other Viking runners were Christine Bailey (SO, Omaha, Neb.) in 28^th place (23:06.4), Rachel Ness (SO, Seward, Neb.) in 31^st (24:13.2), Emily Johnson (FR, Sheridan, Ark.) in 32^nd (24:20.4), and Leanna Kalvelage (SO, Plainview, Neb.) in 35^th (25:00.9).  The Vikings were missing four other runners due to sickness and injury.

“I was impressed with Chelsea,” said Bierbaum. “She is setting herself up for a great season with her work ethic.”

The complete women’s results can be found at http://www.cyclones.com//pdf5/84423.pdf?SPSID=94165&SPID=11525&DB_OEM_ID=10700.

“I felt good times were hard to come by with the small number of runners and slow course,” said Bierbaum.  

The Viking harriers will next compete in Lincoln, Neb., at the Woody Greeno Invitational.  The women will be running a 6k this next meet in Lincoln which will prove to be a test considering their normal distance is 5k.  Opening gun is scheduled for 10 a.m. for the women and 10:45 a.m. for the men.