SHEPHERD, Mich. – The Western Michigan cross country team wrapped up its first meet of the 2020 season at the Jeff Drenth Memorial Race hosted by Central Michigan University at Shepherd High School on Saturday afternoon.
Senior Rebecca McNamee led the Broncos with a fifth place finish off the back of a big personal-best time of 18:00 in the 5k race.
"Rebecca showed a lot of poise and patience throughout the race," said assistant coach Tony Filipek. "The performance will bode well as we move up to the 6k."
The remained of WMU's top five ran in a close pack. Sophomore Annalise James was WMU's second finisher with a time of 19:13.2. Senior Courtney Allen finished with a time of 19:31.3 as the Broncos' third finisher, with freshman Brooke Soper finishing right behind her with a time of 19:32. Paisley Sipes rounded out the team's top five with a time of 19:45.9.
"The group will have to continue to pack up and close that 32 second gap down to 10 seconds or less while improving in our next several races," Fillipek added. "We're excited to head to Bowling Green next week to preview the MAC course. We are grateful each opportunity and are looking foward to our next competitions.
Western Michigan moves on to its next race, Nov. 7 at BGSU before returning to wrap up the season with the Mid-American Conference Championships on Nov. 21.
