Cross Country Battles to 2nd and 3rd Place Finishes

FULL RESULTS | RACE VIDEO

WILMORE, Ky. - Maryville College Cross Country showcased toughness and resilience this weekend as both the women's and men's teams turned in strong performances on one of the hilliest courses of their season.

On the women's side, the Scots placed 3rd overall, but would have ranked 2nd among Division III competition (Division I Eastern Kentucky placed above the Scots). Two runners broke through with personal records - Addison Goodwin and Eleni Johnson - while Megan Shinn notched a season best. The team also placed two athletes inside the top 15 on the challenging 6k course.

Head Coach Kaitlyn Carringer-Adams praised the group's mindset and grit:
"Today was the strongest and grittiest I have seen the girls race so far this season. It was a very hilly course, but they didn't once complain and only focused on the positives of the course. Every girl beat out the runners who were ranked around them… Today the girls proved how tough they can be, worked together as a team and are now going to focus on getting healthy for our home race in two weeks." 

Sophomore Megan Shinn echoed that sentiment, highlighting the teamwork between her and Addison:
"I think everyone did really well. It was a tough course, but everyone still beat their placement goals. Addison and I were close to each other during the race, which really helped because we were able to pace off each other and work together to get through it. I'm very proud of the women's team… everyone persevered and finished strongly."

On the men's side, Maryville came up just four points shy of repeating as meet champions, finishing 2nd overall. The Scots placed five runners in the top 20 despite losing two competitors mid-race to injury. Freshman Gavin Hill stepped up in a major way, finishing as the team's fifth runner—just three spots behind the No. 4 finisher—helping the squad secure the fifth-best team score in Maryville cross country history.

Coach Carringer-Adams credited the group's focus and the next-man-up mentality:
"Today might have not ended as we had planned with another win, but the boys truly gave it their all… Unfortunately two of our runners pulled out of the race due to injuries on the course, but freshman Gavin Hill… really stepped up and ran for his team today. Without Gavin stepping up, we would have not been that close at all or would they have earned the 5th best score in MC cross country history."

Hill himself embraced the challenge:
"I felt really good going into the race, the main goal was focusing on placement and keeping the momentum going. When Kam and Paul went down I knew I had to kick it into gear and have the next man up mentality. Overall I'm very happy with everyone's effort and looking forward to the rest of the season. We have a lot of potential and we are going to keep this momentum going!"

With both teams showing grit and depth on a demanding course, the Scots now turn their focus toward their home meet in two weeks, where they'll look to build on this momentum.