Champions of Character

Champions of Character- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 11-5-23

 

Lawrence, KS- A 7-hour bus ride and cold, windy conditions did not deter the Crowley's Ridge College Cross Country team from some outstanding performances in the Continental Athletic Conference Championship in Lawrence, Kansas, on Friday. Their character shined through in more ways than one.

 

It was temps in the 40s and cross winds blowing over team canopies when the ladies' race began at 9:30 A.M. on the campus of Haskell Indian Nations University. Taylin Green, freshman, Bald Knob, AR, suffered through a back injury to place 43rd, and Sami Tonkery, sophomore, Zanesville, OH, finished strong five runners later in 48th position.

 

The weather improved a bit by the time the men's race started at 10:45 A.M. Anthony Holladay, freshman, Tuckerman, AR, and Brady Minix, Akron, IN, both pushed past the pain of rolled ankles to finish in 49th and 51st places, respectively. Nathan Hunter, freshman, West Memphis, AR, was just behind, finishing 52nd.

 

Pioneer Head Coach Shannon Beasley stated that he was very proud of the fight in his small squad, showing great character in such tough running conditions and running injuries.

 

That character was evident—and acknowledged—in the post-race awards ceremony, as Tonkery and Minix were both voted CAC Champions of Character winners. "We want to win championships, of course," Beasley said, "But we want to win the sportsmanship award each time too. To have Brady and Sami recognized by the Conference for their standout character, I think represents Crowley's Ridge College in a way beyond any banner being hung from a rafter."

 

The Pioneers hope to build on the successes they've had for this first-year restart of the program. When asked what he predicted for year two Coach Beasley said, "Three words: Fear. The. 'Neers."

#GOPIONEERS