Bryan News

Tue, Oct 27, 2009 - [Men's Cross Country]
Bryson Harper
Bryson Harper
Louisville, KY - Bryan College captured the annual Southeastern Classic in Louisville, KY, on a rain-soaked E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park. The Lions, currently 16th in the NAIA Ratings, took the title with 72 points with Shorter College claiming runner-up honors. The 11th ranked McKendree squad was third while Embry Riddle (3rd in the latest ratings poll) ended up fourth. Bryan was once again led by sophomore Bryson Harper (Pikeville, TN) as he covered the eight kilometer layout in 25:22.3 to finish in the runner-up spot. McKendree's Carison Kemei was the individual champ at 24:36.6.
 
Zach Buffington (Ooltewah, TN - JR) crossed the line at 26:04.4 to place 13th in the 22-team field. Freshman Jason McLeod (Ocoee, FL) closed the last kilometer well to finish just inside of teammate Josh Bradley (Ringgold, GA - JR), as they were 16th and 17th. Both crossed the line at 26:18. Drew Thompson (Murfreesboro, TN - FR) closed out the scoring for the Lions as he took 29th in 26:34.8. 
Jake Bradley (Ringgold, GA - FR) had a nice performance as well with 26:39.1 bringing him home in the 32nd spot. Junior Hunter Hall had a solid day to finish in 42nd and 26:54.61. Junior Colby Smith set a new personal best as he crossed the line at 87th in 27:45.4
"It was a great win for our program. Our freshmen are running well and gaining confidence at the right time of the year. Harper was super as he did exactly what was asked of him. We are looking forward to the conference championship in two weeks," said Head Coach Rodney Stoker. 
The Lions will travel to Black Mountain, NC, to compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship on November 7. The men are scheduled to compete at 10:00am ET.