The William Smith cross country team finished second, just two points behind Utica, in the Wildcat Classic hosted by SUNY Poly Saturday. The Herons had three runners in the top eight and completed their team score with their top five runners in the top 13.
Junior Hope Johnson paced William Smith on the 6-kilometer course, clocking in at a career-best 24:03.9. She improved her career-best time by 17.6 seconds, crossing the finish line second just over five seconds behind the leader. Senior Rebecca Barr also posted her career-best time at 6K, stopping the clock at 26:28.3 to finish seventh. She lowered her top 6K time by 16.4 seconds.
First-years Bella Miller and Joan Reichert were the next two Herons across the line. Both logged their season’s best 6K time at 26:34.6 and 26:47.5, respectively.
Senior Abigail Cole rounded out William Smith’s team score. Running in her first race of the season, she was 13th overall with a time of 27:23.9.
The field included 40 runners representing nine schools.
With three runners in the top four, Utica secured the team title with 33 points. William Smith took second with 35 points. Hartwick was a distant third with 64 points.
The Herons return to the racecourse, on Saturday, Oct. 5 when they travel to Fredonia for the Kara Hall Memorial Invitational.
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