Central State's Performance at the Mike Baumer XC Classic

The Mike Baumer XC Classic on September 6, 2024, brought a spirited start to the cross-country season at Fairborn Community Park. Central State's runners showed resilience and dedication, contributing to a competitive race environment.

Men's Race Highlights:

Central State's men's team finished 9th in the team standings with a total time of 1:30:49. Although the final position may not fully reflect the hard work and effort displayed, the team showed promising individual performances. Notable finishes included QiAden Marks, who secured 116th place with a time of 17:07, and Andrew Drumwright, who followed closely in 121st place with a time of 17:13. These performances highlight the team's potential for growth and improvement as the season progresses.

Women's Race Highlights:

In the women's 5k race, Central State's team placed 8th with a total time of 1:55:28. This effort was led by strong performances from several key runners. Notably, Central State's top finisher was Mariah Huston, who crossed the finish line in 84th place with a time of 21:42. The team demonstrated determination and teamwork, laying a solid foundation for future races and showing once they fully get healthy that they will be a top contender in the SIAC.  

Looking Ahead:

While the results from this race provide a starting point, the dedication and hard work of the Central State runners were evident throughout the event. Each athlete's performance is a step towards achieving their individual and team goals for the season. The team's commitment to improvement is clear, Keep an eye on Central State as they build on their performance and look to get stronger as they return key runners from injury.