Can't
get to the game? Don't worry, we've got ya covered.
Tiger runners kick off season with Alumni Run
8/31/2007
By MIKE KESSINGER
Hays Daily News
The Fort Hays State University cross country team has dealt with the heat, a few injuries, and everything else a team goes through in preparation for a season.
Now they're just ready to the put the uniforms on, and get the season started.
Their first test --¬the annual KFC Alumni/Varsity run Saturday at the Tiger Cross Country Course. The annual event, in its 21st year, begins at 9 a.m.
"Things have been going well," third-year Fort Hays cross country coach Jason McCullough said. "It's been real hot."
Not that it's anything the runners haven't been through before. McCullough said through the first weeks of practice they have taken practices in stride, keeping the athletes hydrated, and they have kept away from any serious injuries. Every runner on both teams is expected to run.
Just like every year, the men's team will be pushed by a strong alumni group. Former Tiger Dale Dexter, who now lives in Topeka, will go for his fifth straight alumni run win. His presence is enough of a challenge for the Fort Hays men.
"It just gives them something to shoot for," McCullough said of the men's team running against Dexter. "They know he's the guy to beat."
The Tigers will be led by seniors Aaron Yoder, Aaron Davidson and junior Dan Yoder.
While the Fort Hays women have dominated the alumni/varsity run, the alumni will get a huge lift this year. Bridget Brown, who ran her way to an All-Mid America Intercollegiate Athletics Association selection last year, and qualified for the national meet, will run for the alumni. So will Tonya Newton, who was the Tigers' No. 2 runner last season. The varsity's undefeated streak could have its biggest challenge to date.
McCullough has changed a few things for the women's race. The Tigers will be split equally into two teams, half will wear white and the others black.
Fort Hays freshman Edwin Kiptoo from Kenya will run unattached as he is not yet eligible to run. McCullough said he might be eligible by mid-season.
Sports reporter Mike Kessinger can be reached at (785) 628-1081, Ext. 127, or by e-mail at
mkessinger@dailynews.net.
| Scoreboard | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | Date | Opponent | Score |
| BB | 5/11 | Central Missouri | L 4-2 |
| BB | 5/10 | Missouri Western | W 4-3 |
| BB | 5/09 | Emporia State | L 6-5 |
| BB | 5/04 | Pittsburg State | W 17-5 |
| BB | 5/04 | Pittsburg State | L 4-3 |
| BB | 5/03 | Pittsburg State | L 15-7 |
| BB | 5/03 | Pittsburg State | L 5-4 |
| SB | 5/02 | Central Missouri | L 3-1 |
| SB | 5/02 | Missouri Western | W 3-2 |
| SB | 5/01 | Pittsburg State | W 6-0 |
