Augusta, Kan. -- Missouri State senior Jessica Allen ran a career best four-kilometer time of 14:07.8 to finish third place overall. Allen led a pack of 14 Bears competing at the J.K. Gold Classic, which featured 109 runners from nine Midwestern programs.

MSU was one of four Division 1 programs in the race including Missouri, Kansas State and host school Wichita State. As a team the Bears finished in fourth place with a team score of 83 points with three top 25 finishes on the day, including Allen who finished first among collegiate runners.

"Overall it was a good start to the season for us," head cross country coach Jordan Fife said. "Jessica Allen ran tough at the front of the race and had a great finish. Freshman Jasmine Crawford had an impressive debut and showed she will be a big part of this program moving forward."

Crawford marked a 19^th place finish after running a 14:51.4 race while sophomore Erica Wollmering ran a personal best 14:59.1 and crossed the finish line in 22^nd place.

"I liked seeing our young core group work together for most of the race," Fife said. "With Jessica's front running the success of our pack will be crucial by the time the conference meet comes around. Erica Wollmering and Paityn Howat did a great job of leading that group today."

Running in her first race as a Bear, Howat finished the race in 26^th place with a 15:06.1 4K time. Danielle Bohannon recorded a career best 15:13.8 4K time to finish 34^th.

"It was good to get a meet in and shake the rust off," Fife said. "We are already excited to get back to training and race again in two weeks at our first 5K of the season."

Finishing in the top 40 for the Bears is Grace Breiten with a 15:18.9 mark, Madeline Saville who recorded a 15:19.5 time and Jordan Capra with a 15:20.8 personal record.

Also with a personal best is Mercedes Robinson who checked in with a 15:36.6 time.
The Bears will have two weeks to prepare for their next race when they return to the Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin on Sept. 16.

Missouri State Individual Finishers
3. Jessica Allen (14:04.8)
19. Jasmine Crawford (14:51.4)
22. Erica Wollmering (14:59.1)
26. Paityn Howat (15:06.1)
34. Danielle Bohannon (15:13.8)
37. Grace Breiten (15:18.9)
38. Madeline Saville (15:19.5)
39. Jordyn Capra (15:20.9)
47. Mercedes Robinson (15:54.1)
55. Lindsey Biesemeyer (15:54.1)
68. Kayla Fallis (16:08.7)
82. Claire Schwarz (16:53.8)
92. Emily Graham (17:50.0).

Team Scores
1. Missouri 24
2. Kansas State 63
3. Wichita State 69
4. Missouri State 83
5. Friends 164
6. Newman 172
7. Southwestern 192
8. Butler CC 209
9. Emporia State 278.

Follow the Bears
For more information on the Missouri State cross country team, visit MissouriStateBears.com or visit the team Twitter @MSUBearsTrackXC and Facebook.