Panthers continue to improve at Titan Invite

FULLERTON, Calif. – The Chapman University men's and women's cross country teams competed at the California State University, Fullerton Titan Invite last night. Four Panthers hit new personal records, including freshman Eli Haas, who hit his fourth PR of the season so far.

Haas helped junior Drake Butler pace the Panthers, coming in 93rd place at 28.10.75, coming from the back of the pack to beat his personal record by nearly 20 seconds. Butler finished just under a minute before Haas, leading the men's side with at time of 27:17.87 and a 68th-place finish.

Freshman Ben Clark was the next to finish just a few seconds after Haas with a time of 28:37.58. Fellow freshman Jose Guerrero crossed the finish line at a personal-best 29:17.19, beating his previous PR by nearly 60 seconds for a five-minute total improvement so far this season. Freshmen Davis Carmichael and Enrique Brenes rounded out the men's side, with Carmichael finishing with a time of 30:09.81 and Brenes just four places behind at 30:25.80.

Sophomore Emma Eglinton led the women's 5k race for the Panthers, finishing just off her personal record in 64th place with a time of 20:20.08. Senior Mia Hernandez was the next Panther to cross the finish line, coming in 75th place with a time of 20:54.95.

Sophomores Montana Jelden and Ryly Yee both set personal records in last night's 5k race. Jelden beat her previous record by 47 seconds, crossing the finish line at 21:23.51. Yee finished less than 20 seconds later at 20:40.54 to beat her previous PR by 48 seconds. Senior Nika Cokas split the two sophomores, finishing just seven seconds after Jelden at 21:30.33.

"It was a great showing for the Panthers this evening," head coach DeAndra'e Woods commented. "There were some aggressive performances and big personal records. Emma Eglinton and Drake Butler are two of the most consistent runners in our program. I am pleased with both their races this evening and I am sure next week they both can bring it for their teams. Montana Jelden and Ryly Yee have stepped up big for the women with two personal records. For the men Jose Guerrero and Eli Haas both set personal records yet another meet, and they have shown a lot of grit throughout the season."

The Panthers head to Prado Regional Park in Chino, Calif. on Saturday, Oct. 27 to compete in the SCIAC Championships.

by Katie Bell
Sports Information Assistant

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