CALDWELL, Idaho - A gutsy performance by The College of Idaho women's team and a nail-biting finish for the men both worked out for the home team, as the Coyotes swept the team championships at the Coyote Twilight, this afternoon at Fairview Golf Course.
The No. 6 ranked Lady Yotes competed without two-time Cascade Conference champion, Stephanie Helm, but were able to out-point No. 23 ranked Eastern Oregon to claim the title - while both squads defeated third-place Boise State.
Junior Kristine Smith had her best race as a collegian, finishing fifth in 17:53.20 over the lightning-fast 5,000-meter course, leading a trio of C of I harriers. Kayloni Jones finished sixth overall (17:58.50) and Molli Lee-Painter placed seventh (17:59.90).
"For our women being in the sick ward, that was an amazing performance against an outstanding team like Eastern," said head coach Pat McCurry.
EOU standout Karlee Coffey took home the title, winning in 16:56.60 - nearly a minute faster than second-place Christine Olen.
The men's race was tight, as a pack of five C of I runners controlled the pace for the first 6,000-meters, before No. 22 Eastern began a game-rally - falling six team points short of a title. "Our men went out way too fast," said McCurry. "We were lucky to hang on against a very good EOU team."
True freshman Greg Montgomery picked up his first-ever college title - becoming the first C of I men's runner to win an individual championship, traversing the 8,000-meter course in 23:55.70. Paul Sartin took third for the Coyotes (24:03.40), with J.J. Burk placing fifth (24:07.40).
Damion Flores had an outstanding race for the Mountaineers, using a quality kick over the final kilometer to place second (23:58.60), with Forrest Lumpy taking fourth (24:05.50).
In the team race, Treasure Valley CC finished third, followed by Boise State, Northwest Nazarene, and the Boise Track Club.
Both the Coyotes and Mountaineers next compete at the CCC Championships, presented by the Eugene Marathon, Nov. 7, in Springfield, Ore.