DBU Lady Patriots Cross Country Team Finish 2020 Fall Season Undefeated
With the Lady Patriots wrapping up their fall season number 4 in the nation, Dallas Baptist University’s Cross Country athletes have represented their school well. With many broken records and DBU victories this season, these runners are excited to return to the Hill to celebrate their titles.
Prior to their NCCAA Championships, the Lady Patriots participated in the Lone Star Conference Championships in San Angelo, Texas, earning their (at the time) fourth consecutive win of the fall season, bringing home the program’s lowest score since 1996. With a 25 point total, DBU placed 7 Lady Patriots on the top 15 leaderboards: Madison Brown (2), Marissa Insinna (3), Leslie Filorio (5), Emily Mackel (6), Jenna Thorman (9), Analynne Klotz (11), and Martha Brown (15). In total, the Lady Patriots placed nine runners in the top 25 for a total time of 1:25.51.
On Saturday, November 14, DBU’s Cross Country Teams competed at the National Christian College Athletic Association National Championships in Joplin, Missouri. The Lady Patriots earned its second NCCAA championship since 2016 with a 28-point performance. Freshman Paris Morrison led the Lady Patriots to the championship title with a career-best second-place finish and 19:09.04 final time. Following Morrison, another 6 Lady Patriots were placed on the top 15 leaderboards: Lisbeth Britt (4), Megan Smith (5), Martha Brown (8), Breanne Spence (9), Catrina Pardo (11), and Sophia Matchett (12). DBU’s Head Cross Country Coach Jacob Phillips joyfully states: “This was just a great way to finish our season. Our ladies went through the year undefeated and have just come together so well.” He goes on to say “I am really proud of them and the work they’ve put in.” DBU congratulates the Lady Patriots Cross Country team on an incredible fall season.
The Men’s Cross Country Team also brought home the NCCAA championship title from Joplin. Freshman Adam Whitehead earned his first career victory with a 26:42.93 time in the 8k event. In an impressive showing for the underclassmen Patriots, freshman Alex Velez (5), Matthew Sims (7), and Jackson Southers (9) all finished within the top 10. Daniel Salas (11) and Trent Phillips (15) rounded out the top 15 as the No. 13 men’s team finished with 33 points to clinch the championship title.
DBU is proud of all the hard work and dedication each athlete and coach has put in to make their fall 2020 season great. Looking forward with eagerness and anticipation, we are excited to see what our Lady Patriots and Patriots accomplish in the future.
Emmalie Ellis writes for the University Communications Department at Dallas Baptist University.