FHU Cross Country Finishes Strong In Freed Speed Open

Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. - Nine teams arrived on the campus of Freed-Hardeman University Saturday morning for the fourth annual Freed Speed Open, which saw FHU Junior runner Tyler Alverson dominate the competition in the men's race to take first place in the event.

Coming off an impressive showing in the Brooks Memphis Twilight Classic on September 1st, Alverson continued the momentum Saturday and finished the 8K (5 mile) race with a time of 25:55, setting a new course record in the process. Alverson's impressive finish was 39 seconds faster than his time of 26:34 last season at the same event. The Lebanon, Tenn. native finished nearly a minute ahead of second place finisher Anthony Garza of Bethel University, who finished with a time of 26:45.

"I thought that the race went really well today," said Alverson. "The coaches did a great job putting it together. I was really happy with my finish. I just wanted to go out and do my best, even though the weather was not exactly ideal. As a team, we always look forward to glorifying God as we continue competing together this season."

Sophomore runner Tristan Ray also had a strong showing for FHU, as he finished in fourth place with a time of 28:19. Rounding out the top five on the FHU men's team in order was Philip Brock (29:37), Sam Elliott (29:52) and Blaine McKinney (30:23), who all secured spots in the top 15.

The Freed-Hardeman men's team finished in second place just behind Bethel University and ahead of two other American Midwest Conference schools in the field including Williams Baptist University and Central Baptist College.

Meanwhile on the women's side, the top five finishers for FHU in the 5K race included Brooke Simpson (22:42), Holly Bowman (24:03), Jade Ford (24:56), Carlee Ilias (25:39) and Madelyn Miskelly (26:41).

Freed-Hardeman's women's team finished in fifth place in the event behind Jackson State, Bethel (Tenn.), Cleveland State Community College and Williams Baptist University. Jackson State led the way on the women's side, as they had four runners place in the Top 5, led by Mercy Chebet who finished in first place with a time of 19:33.

For all the latest information regarding the FHU Cross Country teams, be sure to follow FHU Athletics on all our social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, all @gofhulions