[Cross Country] Mosbach, Helms lead Mustangs at nationals

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Sophomore TJ Mosbach ran the second-fastest time in school history and finished just outside the top 100, leading the Mount Mercy men at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships on Saturday at the Fort Vancouver Historical Site. Junior Taylor Helms produced the best finish of Mount Mercy's women's qualifiers, placing 143rd for the Mustangs.

Mosbach ran the 8K race in 26:08 to finish 101st in a field of 312 runners. Sophomore Patrick Kipkorir was next for the Mustangs, crossing the finish line in 26:40. Junior Bryant Rader was 165th in 26:59, senior Mike Miroux 187th with a time of 27:25, sophomore Mitch Johnson 190th in 27:43, freshman Tyler Hartley 192nd with a time of 27:44 and senior Keith Terry 195th in 27:47.

"We can't be disappointed in finishing 30th overall," said Mount Mercy Head Coach Ryan Scheckel. "Our guys ran tough, TJ ran the second-fastest time in school history and two others were under 27 minutes. We had five of seven guys run personal bests. The effort was definitely there."

Oklahoma Christian captured its first-ever team title with 93 points. California State San Marcos was runner-up with 188 points, followed by Southern Oregon (206), Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) (228) and Wayland Baptist (Texas) (254). Kennedy Kithuka of Wayland Baptist defended his individual crown, earning the national championship with a time of 23:15. Silas Kisorio placed second in 23:59.

Helms finished 143rd out of 323 racers in the women's 5K with a time of 19:47. Senior

Kara Danielsen, competing at her third national meet, came in 180th in 19:55. Sophomore

Anne Bruno placed 201st with a time of 20:07 for the Mustangs. Obsie Birru of Midwest Collegiate Conference rival Grand View was the individual national champion, edging Lauren Jimison of Azusa Pacific (Calif.) by nine seconds. Birru was your winner in 17:15. California State San Marcos picked up its third straight team title with 82 points. Azusa Pacific finished second with 91 points.