Pioneers Have Their Best Performances at Mid-States Classic

The Pioneers traveled to Winfield, Kansas for the NAIA Mid-States Classic. The meet would have great competition and provide an opportunity for the team to test themselves against some of the best in the NAIA. This would be the team's last race before heading to conference on November 9th.
 
The ladies began as the first race of the day at 10:15am. The conditions could not have been better with temperatures in the 50s and very little wind. The Pioneers were led by senior Lila Dreves, who finished 26th on the day. Next up was junior Estrella Montiel who was close behind. Estrella and many of her teammates would have their best race of the season. Also running new fastest times were junior Elizabeth Krohn, senior Cortlyn Eisele, and junior Sharon Snyder. 
 
The men went off at 11:00am with the Pioneer men also looking to take advantage of great racing on Saturday. The men were led by junior Carter Kietzman in his fastest race ever by nearly 1:15. His performance was echoed by many of his teammates. Next up was junior Dakota Myers coming back from a difficult race in Columbia to race almost 3 minutes faster than a few weeks ago. Also posting best times were junior Andrew Brown, sophomore Derrick Spicer, freshman Juan Ballesteros, and junior Taylor Chambers.
 
After the races coach O'Grattan remarked, "It was great for the team to come here and really put down some fantastic performances. Some of these efforts are showing after the result of nearly two years of training. I am so proud of this team and their dedication to each other. There is nothing more exciting than having things line up right as you hit the end of the season. We are all excited to get to Conference and race!"