LA GRANDE, Ore. – It was a cloudy and chilly day in La Grande as Eastern Oregon University hosted its home meet Friday afternoon. Commonly known as the EOU Invitational, this year's meet become the Duel in the Dirt as EOU took on conference foe College of Idaho.
The Coyotes were the victors in both races winning 17-46 in the women’s 3,000-meter race, while the men won by a final score of 23-34 in the 5,000-meter race.
Mother nature was not kind to both squads as it rained all morning making the course a bit muddy come race time. With the wind chill and cloudy skies, the 45-degree temperature felt like 37 with the breeze. Regardless both institutions put in a solid effort on the Lane Farms course.
The women took to the course first and wasted little time getting going. C of I created separation in the early going of the race and it paved the way for them to secure the win. Their top five runners all finished in the top sixth, including first through third before an EOU runner crossed the finish line.
Winning the women's race was Erin Moyer in a time of 10:26.60. The first EOU runner across the finish line was Michelle Herbes in a time of10:40.90 to place fourth overall.
C of I put together a total time of 53.17.30 with an average time of 10:39.46 among the seven runners. EOU posted a final collected team time of 58:09.90 with an average of 10:39.46 among six runners.
The men’s race was no warmer when the gun sounded at the start line. The Coyotes managed to hang on for the victory with their top-five runners finishing in the top-10, while the Mounties had four of their five scorers in the top-10.
Winning the men's race was Ian Jackson of C of I. He crossed the finish line in 15:56.20 to take down the field. Travis Running was the first Mountaineer across the line placing second overall in a time of 16:09.10. C of I was able to secure first, third and fourth to create a gap early before Eastern scored its second runner.
To see the full list of women's results, click
HERE.
To see the full list of men's results, click
HERE.