Avila Cross Country

By Curtis Dunlap

Eagles Cross Country Soar to the Finish

“People can't understand why a man runs. They don't see any sport in it. Argue it lacks the sight and thrill of body contact. Yet, the conflict is there, more raw and challenging than any man versus man competition. For in running, it is man against himself, the cruelest of opponents. The other runners are not the real enemies. His adversary lies within him, in his ability, with brain and heart to master himself and his emotions.” –Glenn Cunningham. Your Avila eagles ran at the Gary Stoner invitational hosted by Central Methodist University this past weekend. Saturday was a chilly day, windy on the cross country course. “The course was hilly and tough but it was a good challenge for us at this point” said Will Ennis, current number one runner. Will finished with a time of 28:26 (which is a 5:40 per mile pace!) placing 51^st overall and first for Avila. Second to finish for the team was K.J. Nigg in 62^nd place with a 29:31. Third and fourth for the team was Curtis Dunlap, returning runner from last year and Tyler Bunton. Both finished with a time of 30:42 placing 72^nd and 73^rd. no score was awarded because five runners are needed to score.

 The women’s team despite only three runners, the girls ran fairly well. Tiffany Zinn finished 36^th with a time of 20:34. Joanne Kessler finished 43^rd with 21 flat and Katie Noland finished 60^th at 22:32. Eden Woodburry was suffering from leg pains and did not run, Karli Lapointe was also out due to heart related issues. Making 5 runners, but not this race, it still offered good practice and overall it was a decent race and a step in the right direction for this young sport.

 “we’re just trying to get in shape for conference now, we just need to keep taking care of the bodies and practicing hard” said coach Dave Denny who has coached at Avila three years now. With many years’ experience Denny is one of the greatest peaking coaches in the nation. He coached world record holder for the mile, Joe Falcon as well as Olympian Matt Tegenkamp. “With what we have we’re looking at beating a few more teams at conference than last year and gaining some experience. Next year we’re hoping to have a few more runners and have everyone run over the summer and build mileage.”