Missouri State cross country ran well in their lone home meet of the 2010 campaign. At the Richard Clark Invitational, presented by the Greater Springfield Sports Commission, the Bears finished fourth in the field of ten. Sophomore Emily Beaver was the top finisher for the Bears, finishing ninth overall, with her time of 18:01.03, a new personal best. The overall team champion was the nationally-ranked Texas Tech, while the individual champ was Ari Fisher from Toledo with her impressive 16:43.58.
The Bears improved on their times from SIUE. Following Beaver across the finish line was freshman Leah Nichols who finished 13th at 18:06.50. Junior Terry Phillips was third for the Bears in her first meet of the year. Phillips placed 21st with her time of 18:29.25. Rounding out the squad was Ashton Stubbs in 33rd at 19:09.75, Nicole Thate in 35th at 19:14.16, Maggie Sutor in 36th at 19:16.97, Monica Smith in 38th at 19:21.77, Lisa Imgrund at 19:24.94, MJ Vance in 44th at 19:45.71, Andrea Marshall in 48th at 19:51.65, Megan Fox in 57th at 20:26.57 and Emily Argotsinger in 63rd at 20:55.73.
The next meet for the Bears will be on Oct. 16 in Fayetteville, Ark. for the Chili Pepper Festival. The Chili Pepper Festival is one of the most prestigious meets in the country. In the past, the race has been a 6K distance, but this year, the distance has been dialed back to 5K. Last season, the Bears placed eighth in the field of 34. Phillips was the top Missouri State finisher with her time of 21:26.09. The women's race is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m.
