Finishing only two spots from qualifying for the NAIA National Cross Country Championships in Kenosha, WI, junior Nhial Malia of Highlands, TX, finished 14th and earned NAIA Region IV Honorable Mention at the Region IV Championships hosted by the College of Saint Mary at Lakeview Golf Course in Omaha, NE, on November 3, 2007.

 

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

 

In the men's 8K race, Malia finished with a personal best time of 27:32.62 and was only 18 seconds from qualifying for nationals.  Following him was junior Phil Elbein of Overland Park, KS, who was 6 seconds away from running a season best time as he finished in 28:41.02.

 

The next three finishers--junior Hugo Escobar of Emporia, KS, in 29:11.40, freshman Yaphete Msgna of Dallas, TX, in 29:31.68, and sophomore Adam Rains in 32:48.27--each had personal best times, while senior Derek Bartlett of Colorado Springs, CO, ran a season best time in 38:59.46.

 

For the women, three of the top seven runners did not compete in the 5K race.  Leading the way was freshman Morgan Salter of Holcomb, KS, who ran a personal best 21:23.10.  Following her was senior Erin Gutsch of Olsburg, KS, in a season best 23:12.10, junior Priyanka Dixit of Kathmandu, Nepal, in 23:53.70, junior Marcie Schottler of Marysville, KS, in a season best 24:36.00, sophomore Gilda Alvarez of Yuma, AZ, in 24:58.50, and sophomore Stephanie Wilson in 25:37.40.

 

Those from the top seven who did not compete included junior RaChelle Gaylord of Easton, MO, senior Bryn Swisher of Lindborg, KS, and junior Sarah Helm of Seneca, KS.