Katie Sell, Staff Writer

Forester nation has dominated the cross country scene this season, sweeping CL runners of the week on multiple accounts.  Bullock invitational at the tail end of September earned HU runners a few new PR’s including Sovine and St. Peters.  Gibson Reece made his college debut at the top of the men’s team, running a 26:33 and earning a 23rd spot. 

October brought a strong start running on home grounds.  Foresters earned first place in both mens and womens races, led by Adrien Gentie and Emma Wilson, who both broke a new course record.  The women’s team collectively ran a record team time of 1:34:07, with 5 of the female foresters placing top 10 in their race.  

The following week, Wilson brought the crew to a first place finish in the 25 team invitational at Seminole Valley with help from Saige Norris and Sydney Lambert. 

XC TAKES THE HONORS: NAIA announces Wilson and Adrien as CL Runners of the Week for the second time (Provided by HU Athletics)

Setting yet another course record, the team crushed the competition with 71 points.  Gentie also ran to victory with the 8k course record of 24:43, securing 34 points for the individual title.  He was followed closely behind by teammates Kent Yoder and Elijah Chestermen. 

The JV team travelled to the Bethel invitational where men claimed 9th and the women took 12th, with notable performances from Kody Arhens, Josiah Sovine, Isabel Hunter, Erin Manchess, and Meg Mcdonald.  

“Overall, our conference is one of the best, if not the best, in the nation so for our kids to go out there and compete so well against the other teams in our league, I am proud of this group.” said coach Johnson. 

The Huntington alum has successfully steered the cross country program to new heights. Three of his runners: Hailee Stutzman, Emma Wilson, and Adrien Gentie, have all earned CL Runner of the week honours from the NAIA. 

Next feat for Forester nation is scheduled for November 7th at Marion for the Crossroad League Championships.