A Week Off But Working Hard

With the next two weeks off from competition, the Trojan men and women had a great week of tough workouts.  Nothing like a few mile repeats, some killer hills, and a long run to get the men and women ready for the CMU Invite. This week of training culminated with an intense game of ultimate Frisbee, with the Cross Country men and women coming out on top of the Track and Field men and women. 

The break from racing has also given some needed rest to a few Trojans that have been struggling with injuries.  Sophomore Breanna Newton is the lone Trojan on the injured list but will hopefully return to practice within the week.

In recruiting news, Wyoming standout Taylor Whitmore will be making an official campus visit in October.  Taylor who placed second in the state in the 800m (1:59.60) and 10th in the cross country championships (17:32) would be an outstanding addition to the HLG Men's team!

Rain Makes For Long Weekend

For the men and women of the HLGU Cross Country team the trip to Joplin for the 2011 Southern Stampede was going to be more then just a race. It was about serving a community that had been destroyed by a devastating tornado. The idea was to race on Saturday morning and then head out and do some tornado cleanup. However the Lord had other plans. There are lots of times that I wish I could control things like the weather, especially when people want to do good and serve, this was one of those times.

The rain we had in Joplin on Saturday



We arrived at the course at just after 7:30 am with the clouds building to the west we knew it was going to rain we just did not know how much. Shortly after the Lady Trojans warmed up and headed to the line for the start of the women's collegiate race lightening struck and we were in our first delay. Quickly we rushed to the Legget and Platt Center where we would hopefully wait out the storm. Four hours later we were hopeful as they announced that the women's race would start at noon. So the lady Trojans got back on the indoor track and warmed up. Just before we were to head to the line and go out into the rain, another lightening strike and another delay.  This one would only last about an hour, as it was announced that Missouri Southern State had cancelled the meet due to the weather.



Waiting for our Race in Legget and Platt Center



As it was clearly obvious that we would not be able to serve outside, we got the word that not only would we not be running this weekend, but we would also not be serving. As a coach I was OK that we weren't running; I mean who wants to run in a downpour. But I was very disappointed that we did not get to serve. I thought the Lord was supposed to bless us when we serve and help others? Maybe that is the lesson here that we aren't blessed when we serve, but that there is an active enemy trying to prevent us from serving, and loving others to spread the Gospel. After a nice bus ride back and after thinking about it I realized that I cannot control the weather. I know that the Lord has plans for this team and I believe everything happens for a reason. We as a team wanted to serve the people of Joplin and we will have our chance to do that it just wasn't this weekend.



Pair of Trojans Take AMC Honors for the Week

A pair of Trojans took home runner of the week Honors in AMC (American Midwest Conference) for their outstanding performances in the HLG Trojan Invite. Philiph Tonui took home the men's honor after setting a new course record and blistering the field and winning by over a minute. Nicole Griesbaum took home the women's honor for the week after running her first ever cross country race and finish third running just over twenty minutes.  Philiph has been honored as the runner of the week by the conference multiple times. For Nicole this is the first time that she has won the conference honor. Congratulations to each of them for their outstanding performances this week.  You can read all about the honor by following the link below. http://www.amcsportsonline.com/index.php

Trojan Men and Women Win Home Meet

A week after running in very hot and humid conditions the Trojan men and women returned back to Hannibal for a little home cooking. At the third annual HLG Trojan invite the men women ran to the team titles. The women utilized pack running strategy putting all six runners that ran in the top 15. Nicole Griesbaum was the first lady Trojan to cross the line running (20:26) in her first ever cross country meet. She was followed closely by Mandi Riddle (20:43) and Jennifer Yoder (20:41). The women finished with an amazing pack time of 1:17 for the 5K course. Right behind Jennifer Yoder was Sarah Erickson( 20:44), Sarah Wilson(21:10) and Jessica Bailey(21:43). For the women it was a particularly good meet, they beat Ashford University, and Benedictine University of Springfield to take home the team title. This was the first full 5k that the women's team had run, next week it is on to Joplin and the Missouri Southern Stampede one of the largest cross country meets in the nation.

On the men's side the HLG Trojan Invite was the first 8K(5mile) of the season. Lead once again by Philiph Tonui (25:56) the Trojan men defended there home turf and ran to the team title. The men beat Ashford University, Quincy University( NCAA Div. II), Benedictine University at Springfield, and Culver Stockton College. Philiph broke 26 minutes on the new course setting a new course record and firmly establishing himself as a runner to watch within the AMC conference. Behind Philiph was talented freshmen John Bedsworth (27:52), Troy Pace (28:30), Tyler Malone (28:40), Bret Jones(28:48) Zach Lewis (29:34) and Edward Gregg(33:56). For many of these guys it was there first 8k they had ever run. The men accomplished quite a bit today, learning to race five miles, but more importantly learning to run as a team and help each other out.  With the home meet in the rear view mirror we look ahead to our first long trip of the season.

Next week we are headed to Joplin, and the Missouri Southern Stampede. We are going to run but we are also going to spend some time serving the people of Joplin, which was devastated by a tornado in may. Hoping to be a little bit of a light to the community after we run.  Pictures and stories to follow.

Trojan Cross Country Opens 2011 Campaign at Illini Challenge

The 2011 Cross Country season opened up for both the Trojans and lady Trojans at the University of Illini Challenge. The meet was held in extreme conditions with temperatures in the upper nineties and high humidity. Despite the conditions the women's team fared very well against mainly NCAA Division I competition In this 4k race. Breanna Newton was the top finishing Lady Trojan with a 22nd place finish. She was followed by sophomore Mandi Riddle (17:20; 37th), sophomore Sarah Erickson (17:23; 38th) and freshman Jennifer Yoder (17:35; 41st). Rounding out the top five for the ladies was junior Jessica Bailey (18:14; 47th). Overall it was a great way to start the season.

On the men's side conditions were just as extreme. The men ran at 7pm and although the temperature had dropped to the high 80's or low 90's the humidity was a factor for the men. The race was a 6k and like the women's race was mainly Division I competition. Teams that competed were from (Butler, Purdue, University of Illinois, Danville Community College and the University of Illinois Club Cross Country team).  Senior Philiph Tonui was the top runner, finishing the 6K in 22nd place with a time of 19:59. Freshman Troy Pace (21:31; 48th) and sophomore Tyler Malone (21:57; 53rd) were the next two Trojans to cross the finish line. They were followed by senior Zach Lewis (22:32; 57th) and senior Brett Jones (23:26; 59th).

It was a great way to start the season with some very good competition on a great course. This is just the first step in long season. The next step is the HLG Trojan Invite on Saturday September 10th on the campus of Hannibal LaGrange University.

2011 Cross Country Season Schedule

Here is a look at our 2011 Cross Country Schedule just follow the Link bellow to see where we will be. Come and see the HLG Trojans run.

http://www.hlg.edu/athletics/sport-schedule.php?id=9 



HLG Cross Country Camp 2011



Our team at the Holland Community Garden



The HLG Cross Country team recently returned home from our annual cross country training camp. This year camp was held at Camp Mirale in Lawton Michigan. We were there for six days and although the focus was on running and preparing for our upcoming 2011 season, we did more then just run. We spent time learning how to face challenges by doing a high ropes course, serving and getting to know our new coach. The high ropes course was espicaly fun as we encouraged and supported our teammates to, push through the fear and uncertaintly. It certainly helped us grow together. We spent at day at Lake Michigan playing in the waves, and running to the top of warren dunes. One of the best things about the week long camp was the service opportunity we had at the Holland Community Garden. This Graden grows naturally organic food for many local charaties including serving local seniors. There we mowed grass, pulled weeds, moved railroad ties and spread about 2 tons of mulch (I could be wrong but it seemed like that much). The trip was a great way to begin a new season and a new era here at HLG, we grew closer as a team, coaching staff and more importantly we grew closer to Christ who has given us everything we need. Here are a couple of pictures from the week. 



High Ropes Fun

Padden & Towsend Earn All-American Honors at NAIA Meet

The Hannibal-LaGrange University track & field team wrapped up a historic season at the 2011 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships this past weekend in Marion, Indiana, on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University.  A total of six Trojan athletes represented HLG at the meet and came through with some great results.

Andre Townsend - 2011 All-American

Junior hurdler Andre Townsend kicked off the action for the Trojans on Thursday by competing in the preliminary round of the 110 meter hurdles. Andre recorded the second fastest time of the prelims with a school record performance of 14.17 seconds. The following day, Andre earned a place in the finals with a time of 14.37 seconds. Later that afternoon Andre competed in the finals and, despite stumbling badly just before the first hurdle, he recovered enough to post a time of 14.34 seconds, which was good for 6th place and a spot on the awards podium as an All-American. Andre becomes the first multiple All-American in HLG history as he also earned those honors in the 60m hurdles during the indoor season.

 

Easton Padden - 2011 All-American

 On Saturday, freshman Easton Padden competed in the pole vault and also earned a place on the All-American podium. Easton had a career best day, clearing the bar at 4.90 meters (16'0.75") on his second attempt, allowing him to finish 5th overall. Easton's mark also established a new school record which he previously held.

 Philiph Tonui crossing the marathon finish line.

Also on Saturday, a pair of Trojans competed in the marathon. Junior Philiph Tonui ran in the top ten of the pack for the entire race and finished in 8th place out of 71 competitors with a time of 2:33:00.30. Philiph's effort in his marathon debut also earned one point for the men's team and helped the trio score a combined 8 points, which ted them for 34th place in the meet (out of 120+ teams in attendance).

Nicole Griesbaum finishing the marathon

Freshman Nicole Griesbaum also made her marathon debut and, despite qualifying late and being limited in her training, came through with a strong effort. Nicole took a conservative approach, getting out slowly but consistently increasing her pace throughout the early stages of the race. Nicole ended up running a very consistent pace throughout the latter half of the race, passing over a dozen competitors over the last 5 miles. Her finishing time of 3:27:19.60 was good for 38th place out of 60 competitors.

Freshman Breanna Newton wrapped up a stellar year by competing in the 1500m run. Due to the poor weather, Thursdays preliminaries were canceled and all of the competitors were advanced to Saturday's finals. Breanna raced to a 13th place finish with a time of 4:46.10. Sophomore Holland McCoy competed in the high jump and, despite several strong attempts, she was unable to clear the opening height of 1.60m.

The 2011 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Nationals Championships completes the season for Hannibal-LaGrange. We would like to thank all of our family, friends, classmates school administrators, and competitors for all of your support this season. It has been a tremendous season, dating back to cross country and we could not have had the success we did without everyone cheering us on and praying for us daily. The returning members of the team can now begin to set their sights on next season, where expectations will be at an all-time high after a season that saw 13 national qualifiers, 3 All-Americans, and a conference championship for the women's outdoor team. 

And, for me (Coach Lewkowicz), I would like to thank everyone for making my three years at HLG so amazing. I have met so many great people and the support we have received from faculty, staff, and the community has been wonderful.While the Lord is pulling my family and me in a different direction, I know that I will always maintain a love for this place and this team. To my team, I repeat what I've told you before: you should feel really good about all that you have accomplished this year and how you have represented your university. However, do not be content, but stay hungry and keep the drive to continue to get better. Most of all, keep Christ first in all that you do...it is that aspect of this program that makes us different. It brings a sense of balance to our accomplishments and a sense of perspective to our failures. I am proud of you all and can't wait to see what you all accomplish under the leadership of Coach Jex and Coach Scott. I am, and will always be, proud to call my self part of the HLG family!

Easton Padden-16'1" in PV 5th place & All-American. Breanna Newton 13th in 1500m - 4:46.1. Holland McCoy- no height in high jump

Philiph Tonui placed 8th in marathon. Unofficial time: 2:32. Nicole Griesbaum completed marathon in 3:27.