Rockets run circles around Falcons

The Toledo Rockets cross country teams had a strong weekend at the the Toledo opener against Bowling Green.

Competing at Pearson Metro Park in Oregon, the Rockets men began their day first and defeated the Falcons by a score of 25-32 in the 5,000 meters.

Junior Alberto Chilemo and junior Titus Koech finished first and second in the race, with times of 15:29.2 and 15:36.2, respectively.

Three Bowling Green runners came in the next three spots in the long distance race, followed by another Toledoan, junior Stalline Kurgat, who finished with a time of 15:50.9.

Sophomores Jacob Wistinghausen and Caleb Morehart rounded out the top ten for the Rockets, finishing seventh and ninth, respectively.

Later Friday afternoon, the women’s team took center stage for a competition against the Falcons.

First-year student Athena Welsh kicked off her career and the Rockets season opener by taking home first place with a time of 17:33.3.

The lady Rockets would have a dominant showing overall, winning by a score of 16-46 and placing four runners in the top five.

An unattached runner took second place, the only non-Toledo finisher in the top five.

Also finishing on the podium was junior Joan Jepkirui with a time of 17:44.0.

Sophomore Jennifer Litchter and junior Caroline Lambert would round out the top five, finishing with times of 17:53.7 and 17:55.1, respectively.