Soltes, Cokas lead cross country teams at regionals

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University cross country teams wrapped up the 2017 cross country season at the NCAA Division III West Region Championships, led by a pair of bests. Junior Jonah Soltes ran a personal-best while junior Nika Cokas ran a season-best.

Sophomore Drake Butler led the pair of men's runners that competed on Saturday, finishing in 59th with a 27:10.32. Soltes shattered his previous personal-best, finishing with a time of 28:40.28.

"As a team and staff we are excited for the continual growth that we've had this season. Western Regionals was competitive and had a great atmosphere," said head coach DeAnda'e Woods. "Individually our Men & Women that have put in the work are seeing the fruits of their labor."

The full women's team lined up at regionals and came in 20th as a team. Cokas finished with a time of 24:55.62 – her best time of the season by two minutes. Junior Katie Maynard finished at 25:08.34 and freshman Emma Eglinton wasn't far behind at 25:25.39.

"Overall we had some great performances. Ones that stood out today were from Jonah & Nika, running huge season best times," commented distance coach Ryan Carrell. "This season has been a huge step forward in rebuilding the cross country program. We are looking forward to continuing this momentum in track and cross country next year."

by Steven Olveda
Sports Information Director

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