Siloam Springs, AR - On Saturday, the College of the Ozarks Lady Cats showcased a standout performance at the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Cross Country Championships in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. The competitive field featured programs from across the region, including Oklahoma City, John Brown, Nelson University, Oklahoma Panhandle, Wayland Baptist, Mid-America Christian, Texas Wesleyan, and Science & Arts, making it a highly anticipated conference showdown.

The Lady Cats raced their way to a remarkable second-place team finish, earning 91 points and showcasing grit from start to finish. Keena Goze led the charge with a powerful 5th-place finish, crossing the line in 23:08.06. Right behind her, Tia Bethards pushed through for 13th place at 25:02.12, followed closely by Emilie Zylstra, who claimed 16th place with a time of 25:20.33.

The momentum continued as Gracie Zurbriggen and Reagan Hull sealed the team’s podium finish, placing 27th and 30th with times of 26:57.89 and 27:28.56, respectively.

From the first step to the finish line, the Lady Cats competed with heart and determination.

With her top five finish, Keena Goze qualifies for the NAIA National Championships in Tallahassee, Florida November 21.

In the men's 8k race, the Bobcats delivered a strong showing as well. With a field of highly competitive teams, the Bobcats demonstrated grit and endurance, earning a 4th-place team finish with a solid score of 115 points

Competing against a highly competitive field—including Oklahoma City, John Brown, Mid-America Christian, Texas Wesleyan, Nelson University, Wayland Baptist, Oklahoma Panhandle, Science & Arts, and Central Christian—the Bobcats delivered a strong team performance on a demanding course. Tanner Bailey led the charge, earning an impressive 2nd-place finish with a time of 24:51.97, marking one of the top performances of the day. Nolyn Corder followed with a key contribution, placing 16th and posting a time of 26:32.49, helping secure valuable points for the team and elevating the Bobcats’ final standing.
This event was a significant part of the season's competition calendar, depicting the high-level of talent within the conference.

Bailey's 2nd-Place fish qualifies him for the NAIA National Championships in Tallahassee, Florida November 21. 

The NCCAA National qualifiers will compete this weekend in the NCCAA Championships in Joplin, Missouri.