Cross Country Ends Fall in Kennesaw

Adam Hunt
Sport Columnist / Reporter

Kacie Niemann continued her run of scintillating form to clinch fourth at the Kennesaw State Owl Invitational.

The freshman posted the best finish of any Mercer runner, male or female, at the event hosted by the Bear’s biggest Atlantic Sun rivals.
The Crestwood, KY native completed the two mile race with a time of 12:23.94. Niemann was followed by junior Clara Densmore who finished 20th with a time of 13:45.98. Sophomore Christina Kivi came in third for Mercer and 24th overall, posting a time of 14:07.83.

Rounding out the women's team was Kasie Knapper (26th - 14:12.71), Karen Dorris (27th - 14:31.10), Alesa Webber (29th - 15:11.28), Rebecca Broome (31st - 15:20.44), Hannah Stark (32nd - 15:23.08) and Jenna Jackson (34th - 16:12.28).

Head coach Ryan Bailey was full of praise for his team. “Kacie has been running fantastic times and has been able to do that consistently which is never easy as a freshman,’’ he said. “But this is a team sport and our work ethic has been fantastic going into the Conference Championships, I expect us to do well.”

On the men's side, six Bears approached the starting line knowing that only the top three runners would qualify for the remaining spots on Conference Championship team.
Freshman Taylor Snyder found his form, finishing 13th in the 5k race with a time of 17:24.04. He was followed by sophomore Sean Herring (29th - 18:23.93). Another sophomore, Geremy Skeen (31st - 18:26.28) rounded out the qualifiers.

Despite a valiant burst of speed in the closing meters, Nick Huguenard failed to overtake Skeen and finished just one place back in 32nd with a time of 18:29.54. Tom Dorwaldt (34th - 18:47.35) and Chris Crook (35th - 18:57.72) claimed the final two positions.

“It was a very exciting finish with only five spots separating four of our runners,” commented Coach Bailey. “It just goes to show the strength in depth we have in this team.”

Other teams involved in the race were Jacksonville State, Savannah College of Art and Design, and fellow Conference rivals Lipscomb.
Mercer will travel to DeLand, Fla. for the Atlantic Sun Conference championship on Saturday, Oct. 31.