MHS cross country: Owls win six all-NCMC medals

Breaking his personal record by 31 seconds, senior Keeper Kays helped the Owls take second place in the NCMC Championships. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

KIRKSVILLE -- Six Marshall cross country runners took home medals and five others claimed personal records Saturday during the NCMC Championships at Kirksville.

Junior Nick Jenkins (17:53) finished in the money for the eighth straight meet, coming in fifth as the Owls took second place in the boys' division with 64 points. Senior Patrick Todd (18:37) was ninth and senior Keeper Kays (18:50) took 31 seconds off his top time while coming in 13th.

Junior Jeremy Jalilvand (19:04) also lowered his personal record while placing 16th senior Henry Yeagle (19:34) was 21st and sophomore Michael McNelly (20:35) cut 14 seconds off his standard as he finished 33rd.

Moberly junior Sam Dickerson (16:36) -- the Marshall Invitational champion -- came in first, but Mexico grabbed the team trophy with 38 points.

The Lady Owls were third in the team standings with 64 points, trailing champion Hannibal (45 points) and runner up Fulton (57) -- which had the top runner in sophomore Jenny McCarty (19:16).

Junior Katie Wells (20:16) finished fourth, followed by sophomore Arozo Shahabad (21:48) in seventh and junior Stormy Morrison (22:33) 14th -- also slicing her time.

Marshall's next three runners all had personal bests: sophomore Lauren McGrath (22:39/15th place), freshman Alex Farris (23:31/27th) and senior Erika Martin (24:39/37th).

Among junior varsity entries, junior Katie Arends (25:00) was second with her career-best time and junior Adam Tucker (21:35) equaled his record while placing fifth.

The Owls will be back on the course Thursday for the Richmond Invitational.