The UTM cross-country team tightened their spikes this weekend as they competed at the Southeast Missouri State University Cross-Country Invitational.

The men’s team finished third just behind SEMO and Murray State. Leading the way for the Skyhawks was Robby Clapper, running a 16:24 for the 5k. Freshman Derrick Kenwright ran his personal best of 16:36. Other runners who scored for the Skyhawks were Darrell Lewis (16:48), Philip Rhodes (17:13) and Phillip Gordon (17:14).

“We had a very strong pack that ran together today. They were able to push each other and move up in the race,” said coach Jason McKinney.

“For us to do well next week at OVC against our competition, we need to pack up and continue to move through the field as we did this week.”

The woman’s team was not able to field a team. However, they did have four women running this weekend.

Shalaine Phaup led the way for the lady Skyhawks with her seasonal best of 19:26; she finished eighth. Angelina Gracian turned in her personal best time of 20:10. Both Megan Vonderheide and Kim Van Whinkle showed great improvement this week, both dropping major minutes off their best from this year.

“The woman’s team has been going through a lot of injury problems this year; it was nice to see Shalaine and Angelina both set new personal records,” McKinney said.

“With the improvement of Megan and Kim, I am looking for us to do well at OVC next week.”

Both teams will be competing in the OVC Cross-Country Championship on Nov. 2 at Morehead State University. “Look for us to show drastic improvement from last year,” McKinney said.