Allen Community College’s cross country teams got their season off on the right foot, figuratively and literally, Friday evening.
The Red Devil men garnered the top seven spots in Friday’s King’s Sandwich Classic on the ACC campus. The women were just as dominant, with four of ACC’s five runners sweeping the top four spots.
“I’m happy, but in no way satisfied,” Allen head coach Vince DeGrado said. “It was a good start that we can build on from here.”
Leading the way for the men was Allen sophomore Brandon Bernal, who finished his 5-kilometer trek in 16 minutes, 2.79 seconds, just steps in front of ACC alum Tegan Michael, who finished in 16:03.0. Michael has used up his eligibility, but will continue to train with the Red Devils this semester.
Following in third was Kyle Schauvliege in 16:16.34, Dallas Snider in fourth at 16:27.43 and Jacob Spence in fifth at 16:32.10.
Danae McGee rolled to the finish line in the women’s race, running two miles in 12:53.13, nearly 40 seconds in front of her nearest pursuer, teammate Mahalia Soap (13.31.39).
“It felt good,” McGee said. “We were a little worried about the heat. Thank God it cooled off just enough for the race.”
DeGrado delayed the start of the races about 45 minutes because of Friday’s hot weather.
The temperature still was about 90 degrees, but with a few clouds in place, most of the runners handled the heat easily.
They also dealt with wet grounds around the finish line at ACC’s soccer field.
Groundskeepers have kept the fields drenched in order to help newly installed sod to grow healthier.
“I don’t think it affected us much,” DeGrado said. “It was just wetter than we expected.”
Allen heads to Memphis Saturday for the Brooks Memphis Twilight Classic, in which the races begin at 8:45 p.m. The women will run a 5K; the men a 4-mile route.
“Our freshmen did what all freshmen tend to do — show up a little out of shape,” DeGrado said. “We’ve got some work to do to get better.”
Men
1. Brandon Bernal, 16:02.79
2. Tegan Michael, 16:03 *
3. Kyle Schauvliege, 16:16.34
4. Dallas Snider, 16:27.43
5. Jacob Spence, 16:32.10
6. Patrick Rachford, 16:34.47
8. Brock Artis, 16:40.19 *
9. Tucker Morgan, 16:49.28
11. Ryan Pulsifer, 16:55.65
13. Denver Parker, 17:00
14. Diego Sanchez, 17:02.52
16. Salvador Medrano, 17:13.71
19. Angel Vasquez, 17:21.69
21. Trail Spears, 17:32.87
26. Connor Immenschuh, 18:11.38
* Unattached
Women
1. Danae McGee, 12:53.13
2. Mahalia Soap, 13:31.39
3. Alisn Stevens, 13:46.67
4. Tirzah Soap, 13:48.19
8. Caitlin Boeckman, 14:29.67
Allen Red Devil runners get off to fast start
