Howardson shines for Tiger cross-country team

By Andy Krutsinger, Mt. Pleasant News

INDIANOLA ? The Iowa Wesleyan cross-country team had their first meet of the year last weekend, running at Pickard Park and Indianola. In just one race, the Tiger women already had an individual first-place finisher.

Freshman Sierra Howardson took the top spot, crossing the line in 16:56. The former Bloodhound state-qualifier beat Simpson College?s Shelby Hunemiller by 25 seconds for first place. That led to a third-place finish on the women?s side. The Tigers scored 80 points.

Allison Morris took 11th place in 18:31. Lindsey Johnston finished 18th in 22:02. Maggie Thomure crossed the tape in 22:57, and Joane Gonzalez finished in 32:29.

The men took fourth, scoring 109 points on the night. Joel Amor was the leading Tiger, crossing the line in 21:31 for 14th place. Matt Klundt finished 21st place in 24:17.

Nathaniel Townsend was close behind Klundt, crossing the tape in 24:51 for 23rd. Pedro Palamo placed 25th, in 28:14, and Oscar Martinez finished 26th, in 32:34.