The Kentucky Wesleyan College women’s cross-country team finished third Friday in the annual Fast Cats Classic while the men’s team took third overall.
On the women’s side, a pair of local graduates led the way, as Breanna Alderton (Owensboro) paced the Panthers with a second-place finish and a time of 18:35. KWC also had the fifth-place finisher in Karlee Hoffman (Daviess County).
“I look forward to Fast Cats each year because I get to run on my home course and since I am from around here I love having all of my past teammates and Owensboro people to cheer me on,” Hoffman said. “Fast Cats is held by (KWC) and Daviess County so it helps get both of our names out there.”
Hoffman said she was happy with her finish Friday.
“I feel like I did very well,” she said. “I ran my fastest time that I have ever ran at Yellow Creek and ended my season with a solid time for my last 5K this year. My team did amazing. KWC girls have never placed second at Fast Cats. Everyone has been putting in the work and we have improved as a team mentally and physically. Each of us on the team are pushed by a teammate and runs for the team.”
Brescia finished 10th overall and were led by Abagale Huelsman and her 33rd-place finish.
In the men’s race, KWC finished third with 93 points while Mississippi College came away with the sweep after grabbing 19 points.
Hunter Kurz (Daviess County) was the top Panther with his 3rd-place finish as he clocked a time of 26:44. Kurz said he looks forward to the race every year.
“I’d say my favorite part about Fast Cats is being able to perform in my hometown in front of all my friends and family and just be able to show them all the hard work I put into the sport,” he said. “As far as my race, I was over a minute off of my personal best. So it wasn’t a very fast race for me, but I still went out, competed, and got a top-3 finish so I was content with the effort put into the race.”
Brescia finished ninth overall and were led by Christian Leach’s 22nd-place finish.
