At the ESU Jock's Nitch Invitational in Emporia, KS, eleven Running Swedes set personal or season best times on September 27, 2007.  Leading the pack for the men was junior Nhial Malia of Highlands, TX, while junior RaChelle Gaylord of Easton, MO, was the frontrunner for the women.

 

Bethany Team Recap - Men's Overall Results - Women's Overall Results

 

For the men, Malia ran a personal best time in the 8K race as he finished in 28:13.  He was followed by freshman Yaphete Msgna of Dallas, TX, who was competing in this first collegiate race; Msgna finished in a personal best 30:29.  Following him were juniors Phil Elbein of Overland Park, KS, in 30:35 and Hugo Escobar of Emporia, KS, in 30:51. 

 

In addition, freshman Rene Barboza of South Houston, TX, ran a personal best 32:07 in his first collegiate race, while sophomore Adam Rains of Lakin, KS, ran a season best time of 37:01.  Senior Derek Bartlett of Colorado Springs, CO, did not finish the race after stepping in a hole after the second mile.

 

In the women's 5K race, Gaylord ran a personal best time of 21:42 and was followed by freshman Morgan Salter of Holcomb, KS, who ran a personal best 22:41.  Following them was sophomore Stephanie Wilson of Pomona, KS, with a season best 23:47 and junior Priyanka Dixit of Kathmandu, Nepal, with personal best 24:05.

 

Other season best times were by senior Erin Gutsch of Olsburg, KS, in 25:18 and sophomore Gilda Alvarez of Yuma, AZ, in 25:25, while junior Sarah Helm of Seneca, KS, competed in her first collegiate race with a personal best 25:43. 

 

The next meet for the Running Swedes is on October 6, 2007, at the McPherson Country Club for the McPherson Invitational.