Cottey Cross Country competed at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic, a meet full of competitors an important milestone race in the schedule.
Cottey's Cross Country team delivered a performance marked by cohesion, consistency, and quiet grit, showcasing the depth of its roster and the strength of its training. With a top-five total time of 2:03:11 and an average of 24:38 per runner, the team demonstrated impressive pack running, keeping a tight 3:46 spread between their first and fifth finishers. Expanding to the top seven, the total time stretched to 2:56:54, with an average of 25:16 and a spread of 4:27—still well within competitive range and indicative of a team that runs together, not apart.
Leading the charge was Madalenn Fee, who turned in a commanding 22:28 finish. Her pacing was sharp and deliberate, opening with a 3:31 first kilometer and maintaining momentum through the 3K in 11:00. She closed the final kilometer in 3:44, a testament to her strength and race awareness. Behind her, Avery Morris and Jessie Mick ran nearly stride for stride, finishing in 24:22 and 24:31 respectively. Their mid-race splits—hovering just above eight minutes for the 3K—showed steady pacing, and both closed with sub-four-minute final kilometers, underscoring their ability to finish strong.
Hannah Hayduk and Joliette Johnson rounded out the scoring five, finishing in 25:34 and 26:14. Hannah's pacing was remarkably consistent, with her final kilometer nearly mirroring her opening split, while Joliette showed resilience through the middle of the race and a determined close. Just behind them, Kyndal Soukup, Kallee Cook, and Arabelle McDonald formed a tight trio, all finishing within 17 seconds of each other. Their presence added depth and stability to the team's overall performance, reinforcing Cottey's ability to field a competitive seven-runner squad.
MC Cox anchored the team's effort with a 33:18 finish. Her opening kilometer was a solid 4:59, and while the middle section stretched out, she showed determination by pushing through a tough final leg. Her effort speaks to the team's culture—one that values every runner's contribution, regardless of placement.
Across all checkpoints—1K, 3K, 5K, and 6K—Cottey held steady in the 16th to 18th place range, with point totals hovering in the 440s to 490s. That consistency reflects a team that knows how to pace, support one another, and finish strong. The scoring spread stayed tight, and the team's ability to maintain rhythm across all distances shows a well-trained, well-led group. This wasn't just a race—it was a statement of depth, discipline, and unity.
The Comets have a week off before taking on the American Midwest Conference Championships on November 6th.
