ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Rogers State women's cross country put together their best ever performance at the MIAA Championships finishing in second place while the men finished in ninth place on Saturday.

"Words can't express how proud I am of our teams today," said Head Coach Matt Kennedy. "Their hard work, resilience, and commitment showed, and I couldn't be more grateful to be their coach. I thank God for blessing us with the health and strength to compete at this level and for keeping our team healthy throughout the season. It was an incredible team effort, and I'm so proud of each runner's dedication and commitment to Championship Behavior."

The No. 22-ranked Hillcat women finished in second place with 70 team points, ahead of No. 17 Nebraska Kearney, No. 20 Fort Hays State and No. 29 Northwest Missouri. Katie Byrd and Jordan Wallace both earned All-MIAA honors for their performances, while Cadence Cordova, Rayna Kucharyski and Ashley Riggenbach were all named All-MIAA Honorable Mention.

"The women's second-place finish is a testament to their faith, discipline, and love for one another," continued Kennedy. "Today, we saw the rewards of that commitment."
 
In the 6k race, Kaite Byrd led the Hillcats in ninth place with a time of 22:00.38, which is now the seventh fastest time in school history. Jordan Wallace finished close behind in 10th place with a time of 22:04.18, the ninth fastest time in school history. Cadence Cordova finished in 16th with a time of 22:12.50. Rayna Kucharyski finished on her heels in 17th with a time of 22:12.78. Ashley Riggenbach finished in 18th with a time of 22:13.48. Sisely Mitchell finished in 22nd with a time of 22:18.34. Kaylee Nay rounded out the scoring in 28th with a time of 22:39.28.
 
On the men's side, the Hillcats finished in ninth place with 213 team points and set a new school record with an average time of 25:15.69.
 
In the 8k race, Nathaneal Gibson led RSU finishing in 25th place with the second fastest time in school history at 24:44.03. Tyler Colvin finished in 28th place with a time of 24:48.93, the third best time in school history. Blake Feron finished in 42nd with a time of 25:09.85, good for sixth place in school history. Jonathan Mendez finished in 64th with a time of 25:45.94. Cade McCall finished close behind in 65th with a time of 25:49.68. Kyle Ginn finished in 68th with a time of 25:53.31. Casey Little rounded out the scoring in 71st with a time of 25:58.89.
 
The Hillcats will now look to keep their momentum going as they prepare for the NCAA Division II Central Region Championships on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Joplin, Mo. at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course, hosted by Missouri Southern.
 
Women's 6k Results
9          Katie Byrd                    22:00.38
10        Jordan Wallace             22:04.18
16        Cadence Cordova          22:12.50
17        Rayna Kucharyski         22:12.78
18        Ashley Riggenbach       22:13.48
22        Sisely Mitchell              22:18.34
28        Kaylee Nay                   22:39.28
49        Riley Coleman              23:28.39
58        Tehya Lang                  23:55.96
61        Emily Cruz                   24:07.14
 
Men's 8k Results
25        Nathaneal Gibson          24:44.03
28        Tyler Colvin                 24:48.93
42        Blake Feron                  25:09.85
64        Jonathan Mendez          25:45.94
65        Cade McCall                 25:49.68
68        Kyle Ginn                    25:53.31
71        Casey Little                  25:58.89
77        Ian Conder                    26:10.71
83        Julius Oheim                26:29.36