Springfield, MO - The College of the Ozarks Bobcat and Lady Cat Cross Country Teams participated in the Queen City Invitational Friday, in Springfield, Missouri. Both the men's and women's teams competed against top area programs including Missouri State University, Drury University, Evangel University, and Southwest Baptist University.

Despite challenging races, both College of the Ozarks teams achieved solid results in the opening meet of the season, with each finishing fourth in their respective categories. With tough competition and a talented field, the teams will use this meet as a springboard for the remaining events of the season.

In the men’s 8k, the Tanner Bailey provided the top Bobcat Highlight with his second-place finish and a time of 25:08, a new personal record for the junior from Piedmont, OK. Nolyn Corder was not far behind Bailey with his time of 26:22. Gabe Whitman recorded a time of 27:44, Jack Lawson crossed the line in 28:46, Ethan Howard finished in 29:13, Alex Frizzell recorded a time of 29:54, and Drew Rose, Eric Burns, and Brady Rose rounded out the times with 30:31, 31:20, and 35:06 respectively. Tanner Bailey's outstanding performance was particularly highlighted as he received Student Athlete of the Week honors from both the NCCAA and the Sooner Athletic Conference.

In the women’s 5k race, Keena Goze was the first NAIA finisher as she came in following only NCAA Division I and NCAA Division II runners. Her time of 19:01 set a new personal record for the 5k distance to lead the Lady Cats. Emilie Zylstra recorded a time of 20:50, Tia Bethards crossed the line at the 21:31 mark, Gracie Gatton finished in 22:37, Gracie Vestal recorded a time of 22:57, Reagan Hull crossed the finish line in 23:11, and Abigail Horton and Aryssa Speights logged times oof 23:15 and 23:41 respectively.  

Looking ahead, the Bobcats and Lady Cats are slated to compete next at the Missouri Southern Stampede, held at Missouri Southern State University Cross Country Course on September 20. This event will offer another opportunity for the Bobcats to see some outstanding competition and experience a meet with a lot mor runners in each field.