In a field stacked full of NCAA Division I teams, as well as multiple ranked NAIA squads, the Taylor men’s cross-country team took 19th at the Louisville Cross Country Classic on September 30.
Freshman Nathan Burns led the team taking 19th place on the individual front, while senior Zane Callison finished first out of the team's top five.
The 23rd-ranked Trojans team headed to Louisville on September 30 with high hopes of continuing their early season momentum, but after finishing in the middle of the pack, it may not seem like an extremely successful outing.
However, considering the competitive field, as well as other circumstances, the trip was rather revealing of the true potential of this year's team.
“We learned a lot of lessons in Louisville,” Head Coach Quinn White said.
Burns continued his streak of spectacular running by leading the team once again following his record-breaking outing at the Ray Bullock Invitational and in his second-ever collegiate race. Despite this, Burns is still hungry for more, as well as the rest of the team.
“Every person you pass in a cross-country race is a two-point swing,” Burns said. “I will best benefit the team by having the mindset that every point matters.”
By using the mindset of “every point matters; every place matters,” Burns will continue his drive to race as best as possible. This isn’t just a reflection of his mindset, but also of the entire team’s.
“This team has big goals and the men that can accomplish them,” White said.
With a three-week training block before the next meet, there is much anticipation for how the team can improve.
The Trojans are starting out by looking back at their goals for the season and re-evaluating how recent efforts and mindsets stand in regard to them, Burns said. He expects to personally use this block to learn from the past and build for the future.
Callison looks to use this time to develop his longevity in races as a senior on the team and a top-five Taylor finisher.
“The 8K is a long race, and the last 3K can feel pretty taxing,” Callison said. “A goal of mine is always to race a full race and push myself to the very end.”
The biggest issue that could face a team loaded with young talent is a lack of solid upperclassmen leadership. Fortunately, this year’s team does not have that problem.
“We are blessed with great senior and all-around leadership,” Burns said. “One of the unique things about the team is that everyone is a leader in its own way.”
Burns elaborates that the team is vocal during workouts, focused and intentional during drills and dialed in for competitions.
Callison added that his personal role as a senior on the team is to ensure that everyone is on the same page and aligned with the team’s mission.
The men’s cross-country team is set to travel to Omaha, Nebraska, for the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic on Oct. 21. Currently ranked No. 23 in NAIA, the Trojans look to continue increasing their stock and preparing for their stretch of championship meets in early November.
