Grand Rapids, MI- The Tigers ended their 2019-20 season on a high note racing faster than previously expected by rankings. Wittenberg traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan for an icy Great Lakes Regional meet led by Sophomore, Ryan Zimmerman on the men's side and senior, Alexis Gray for the women.
Men: The men's team finished with a place of 26 out of 38 posting 717 points. Prior to the meet the Tigers were expected to finish 29th. Wittenberg was led by Sophomore, Ryan Zimmerman who finished with a career best of 25:33.7. Sophomore, Cullen Sainey followed with a time of 26:26. Freshman, Ian McCandlish was Wittenberg's number three runner finishing at 26:43.26. Junior, Miles Caine finished not far off with a time of 27:23.87. Sophomore, Andrew Reese crossed the line at 27:34, beating out three competitors within a second. Freshmen, Deven Ramsey (28:12.96) and Evan Sugrue (28:20.57) rounded things out for the Tigers.
Women: The women ended their season with a place of 21 out of 37 tallying 604 points. Wittenberg had an expected place of 27th. The women were led by senior, Alexis Gray who finished her career with a time of 22:58.79. Sophomore, Lauren Welker came across at 23:52.81 working along-side sophomore, Elizabeth Canright, who finished at 24:01.92. Junior, Erika Bournival came in fourth for the Tigers with a time of 24:52.81. Sophomores, Morgan Ely (25:54.99) and Annalee Lynn (26:53.7) ended for Wittenberg to place the team in 21st.
Head Coach, Paris Hilliard said "overall I am proud of the way our teams competed on a tough and sloppy course. Both teams ended the cross country season on a positive note. We look forward to transferring that positivity into the track and field season."
Up Next: The 2019-20 cross country season comes to an end and the Tigers will look forward to their indoor track season. Wittenberg kicks off their indoor season December 6th at home for the Tiger Opener.