By KATIE LACKEY, Sports Editor
The Rangers cross country team competed in Edmond on Saturday at the University of Central Oklahoma Land Run Cross Country Meet.
The women’s team finished 11th being led by freshman, Clara O’Connor, who finished the 3.2 mile course in 22:07. Lexi Hastings, who is a freshman health sports and science major, was not far behind with a 23:46.
“I was pleased with how everyone did,” Hastings said. “They did the best they could.” Hastings said there were some teams that had more people than expected, which caused some nerves. She was nervous up until the gun went off. Then she said the nerves went away and she just ran her race.
Freshman Capi Gahr finished the race with a 28:25, while junior Ana Para rounded out the women’s Northwestern team with a 32:12.
The men’s team finished 6th at the meet. Freshman Seth Maston led Northwestern on the four mile course with a 24:22. Manuel Reyes, who is a junior in general studies, was the second Ranger to finish with a 26:10.
“It was a good start [to the season].” Reyes said. “It could have been a little better.” For the team Reyes said it went well, and it was a good meet for them to test the waters.
“For representing Northwestern, we did what we could and gave it our all.” Reyes said.
Freshman Parker Osborn finished just five seconds behind Reyes with a 26:15. For Brandon Widner it was his first race, and he completed the course in 26:53. Senior Thomas Decker rounded out the team with a 29:31.
“The team is young,” coach Tarter said. “The goal of the team is to get experience and for each runner to develop his or her running abilities as well as improve at each race throughout the season.”
The next meet for the Rangers will be Sept. 10 at the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Open in Weatherford. The women’s race will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the men’s race following at 9:45.