After a tough week in practice, the Running Swedes topped off that week by competing on a challenging course at the McPherson College Invitational at the McPherson Country Club on October 6, 2007.  The top finisher for the men was junior Nhial Malia of Highlands, TX, while freshman Morgan Salter of Holcomb, KS, was the top finisher for the women.

 

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

 

In the men's 8K race, Malia earned a medal with his 15th place time of 30:57.40.  Following him and just missing out on a medal was junior Phil Elbein of Overland Park, KS, who was 17th in 31:19.10.  Other men finishing the race included:  junior Hugo Escobar of Emporia, KS, in 32:25.50; freshman Yaphete Msgna of Dallas, TX, in 32:34.60; sophomore Adam Rains of Lakin, KS, in 42:10.10; and senior Derek Bartlett of Colorado Springs, CO, in 44:43.10.

 

For the women's 5K race, Salter finished just missed the top 20 as she was 21st with a time of 24:05.20.  Running a season best time was senior Erin Gutsch of Olsburg, KS, who finished in 25:11.30.  Other women finishing the race included:  senior Bryn Swisher of Lindsborg, KS, in 25:35.30; sophomore Stephanie Wilson of Pomona, KS, in 25:49.50; junior Priyanka Dixit of Kathmandu, Nepal, in 26:33.60; sophomore Gilda Alvarez of Yuma, AZ, in 29:13.90; and freshman Kayla Hemphill of Gypsum, KS, who competed in her first collegiate race since foot surgery, finished in 31:43.00.

 

Junior RaChelle Gaylord of Easton, MO, the top runner for the women through the first four meets who was in the top 15 at the 2 mile mark, and junior Sarah Helm of Seneca, KS, did not finish the race due to injuries.

 

The next race for the Running Swedes is October 13, 2007, at the NAIA Mid-States Classic hosted by Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.