Behind Njonjo, OC men’s cross country cruises to easy win

OC’s Geoffrey Njonjo prepares to cross the finish line while winning the Oklahoma City University Fall Classic.

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 24, 2011) – Led by Geoffrey Njonjo’s individual title, Oklahoma Christian’s men’s cross country team cruised to an easy win Saturday morning in the Oklahoma City University Fall Classic.

The No. 2-ranked Eagles had six runners finish in the top nine and had a team score of 24, well ahead of second-place Southwestern (Kan.), which posted a score of 47.

OC’s women finished second behind Central Oklahoma. Jacqueline Hallam led the Lady Eagles with a third-place finish.

The races were held on the grounds of The Oklahoma Publishing Company in north Oklahoma City on a grassy course with gentle hills. Weather conditions were ideal, with little wind and temperatures in the mid-60s at race time.

The men’s race drew eight full teams and 69 runners. OC head coach Mark Thompson brought his full men’s team after the Eagles were rained out of last week’s Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin, Mo.

Njonjo jumped to the lead from the start and covered the 8-kilometer course in 25:15. Teammate David McWilliams was second in 25:49. Austin Simkins (6th in 26:11), Brayden Barrientez (7th in 26:25) and Nathan Mesta (8th in 26:26) rounded out the Eagles’ scorers.

OC’s top runner, Silas Kisorio, made his first appearance of the season and finished ninth in 26:32. Thompson said Kisorio was looking to ease back into cross country competition after an extended outdoor track season that lasted into July.

OC runner Joseph Zarazua, running unattached, was 10th in 27:12.

“It was good to have our full men’s team compete together today,” Thompson said. “We had a good race, but not a great race. We were a little tired and sluggish out there today and we will need to fine another gear next week in Stillwater (for the annual Cowboy Jamboree).

“I am afraid the time gaps were a little too large and large gaps really get exposed in a big field of runners.”

In the 5-kilometer women’s race, Hallam finished third in 19:55, behind UCO’s Brooke Klimek (19:20) and Jennifer Hendrixson of Southwestern (Kan.) (19:46). OC’s Melyssa Cardenas finished fifth in 20:04, outdueling Heather Braley of UCO down the stretch.

As for OC’s other runners, Cady Block was 15th in 20:48, Noemi Hernandez was 20th in 21:02 and Erin Sesemann was 23rd in 21:16.

“Jacq and Melyssa looked great today,” Thompson said. “They are doing a great job leading our team in workout and races. After those two we will need a few more women to step it up over the next few weeks. We’re a little banged up with nagging injuries but I am hopeful we’ll have a bigger squad out there very soon.”

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