Posted: Nov 10, 2013
MARSHALL, Mo. - Central Methodist sophomore Cris Renteria sprinted past Missouri Valley's Phillip Cheriyout in the final 50 meters to capture the 2013 Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) title and secure a place in the 58th Annual Men's Cross Country National Championship.
Renteria's victory was complimented by a 4-5 finish by fellow sophomores Tyler Meierarend and Brett Davis. All three athletes earned All-Conference honors and propelled the Eagles to a second-place finish at the meet, just behind Missouri Valley.
"He is a true champion," Eagles' coach Chris Sandefur said of Renteria. "It's just his personality. He totally believes in himself and went out there and showed today that he can adjust to a race and still be able to make a move at the end - fantastic race for him."
Renteria crossed the line in a time of 27:05.06. Meierarend and Davis posted times of 27:38.02 and 27:56.25, respectively. Freshman Dakota Shoemaker (29:13.19, 17th overall) and junior Ryan Farrell (29:27.82, 20th overall) rounded out the Central Methodist scorers.
"Three sophomores in the top five you can't ask for anything else," Sandefur said. "We're going to have three of the top four returners next year, so that's going to be exciting."
Renteria, Meierarend and Davis have two weeks to prepare for the National Championship, schedule to take place November 23 at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kan. The race will be the second time they have competed at the course, the first being the NAIA Pre-National Meet on October 12.
Sandefur is confident the trio will be ready to perform when they step to the line for the race.
"Fitness-wise, they are at their highest level, so it's just resting now so that they can peak," Sandefur said. "Hopefully in a couple weeks, they're going to show all the hard work they've put in."
