Storm come up big at Dan Huston Invitational

WAVERLY, Iowa - The Simpson men's cross country refused to slow down, racing a second place finish, including wins over four regionally ranked opponents, at the Dan Huston Invitational on Saturday

The A-R-C Runner of the Week, James Johnson, continued to impress, posting yet again another personal best en route to a 12th place finish overall. Cole Leggett joined Johnson with a sub 26-minute race, finishing in second on the team and 20th overall.

Drew Engler, Ben Reyes, and Ezra De Cleene made up the middle of the pack for the Storm while Doug Berg and David Lochner joined them for sixth and seventh on the team. The five runners all broke the 27-minute mark to provide Simpson solid depth to claim the second overall spot in a crowded field.

"It was another positive day for our men," said head coach Heath Moenck. "I was very pleased with how well we executed the back half of the race today in less than ideal conditions. Our depth today really helped us. Drew Engler, Ben Reyes and Ezra De Cleene really ran strong to round out our scoring five."

TOP FIVE TEAM STANDINGS

1. Wartburg – 23
2. Simpson – 112
3. Central – 127
4. Gustavus Adolphus – 136
5. Nebraska Wesleyan – 145

TOP FINISHERS

James Johnson – 25:18.8 (12th)
Cole Leggett – 25:32.5 (20th)
Drew Engler – 26:23.8 (42nd)
Ben Reyes – 26:42.4 (54th)
Ezra De Cleene – 26:49.5 (61st)
Doug Berg – 26:56.5 (64th)
David Lochner – 26:57.3 (67th)

UP NEXT

Simpson travels to the Bradley Pink Classic on Saturday, Oct. 17 with a 12:00 p.m. start time.