COLLEGE STATION – The University of the Incarnate Word women's and men's cross country teams competed in the Arturo Barrios Invitational on Friday, October 19, in College Station, Texas. Freshman Chiara Judis led the women's side, while Christopher Daniels led the men's side. UIW competed against top programs in Oklahoma, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas Tech, and more. All results can be found here.
The women's team entered the competition coming off three top-five finishes, including a top-five finish in the Cowboy Jamboree at Oklahoma State.
"What a difference from 2023 to 2024," head coach Dr. Derek Riedel said. "It was a PR bonanza for the ladies. They crushed last year's team average by 1:35 and turned in one of our best-ever 6k team averages of 21:38. We had a fantastic 14 second gap 3-6 and that made a huge difference for our team score in a large field. This women's team is so close and supportive of each other, and it shows on the course. They find each other, and encourage each other during the race and have fun. The last 6 weeks of training have been phenomenal, and the women are reaping the benefits of that. Lastly, we have to mention that Chiara Judis is now our 6k school record holder. Her 20:28 is fantastic regardless of age but even more impressive for a freshman. Her time betters two women who went on to finish top 3 at conference and top 22 at the South-Central regional meet."
Coming into this competition, the men's team was coming off three top-five finishes, including two first-place finishes and a fifth-place finish at the Cowboy Jamboree in Oklahoma State.
"It was a record-setting day for the men of UIW," said Dr. Derek Riedel. "Their team average of 23:46 is a 14 second school record from last year and a key indicator that the men are trending the way we need to be going into the extended championship season. We have focused so much on being prepared for the regional 10k that we were a little too conservative the first 2k. The way the guys were moving the second half of the race that extra 2k would have moved us up several more team spots. The group moved up every checkpoint. Chris Daniels has a special knack for racing that can't be taught. He executed a nice race and kudos to him for a new school record 8k. Finally, it's important to note that the men had only a 24 second gap, that's our best-ever over 8k and by far the best in the field of 40 teams."
The Cardinals are back in action on November 1st at the Southland Conference Tournament at the University of New Orleans.
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