VANCOUVER, Wash. – The William Carey Men's Cross Country Team competed in the 2023 NAIA Cross Country National Championship with the women having three individuals compete Friday afternoon, at the Fort Vancouver Historical Course.
 
For the men, Carson Barlow helped the Crusaders to a 30^th place finish with a time of 26:02 in the 8K event to finish in the top 75 for the second-straight season.
 
Nathan Sury clocked in at 27:20 to finish in 233^rd with Seth Kramlich coming in 254^th with a time of 27:35.  Next to cross the finish line were Alex Beeler and Gavin Wheat with times of 28:05 and 28:13.  Owen Jensen and Javon Lee rounded out the squad posting time of 28:19 and 30:35.
 
For the ladies, Blanca Conesa climbed from 68th last year to 41st this season with a time of 22:45 in the 5K event.  Mario Tirado was next with a time of 23:21 to place 72^nd with Isabelle Wheeler posting a time 24:51.
 
"I am extremely proud of the group that competed today," said Head Coach Cooper Herrington. "They overcome a lot of adversity to get to today's race. The outcomes of the race might not have been exactly what we had planned and yet everyone gave great effort. This is a special group not only because of the racing they do but also because of the quality of their character. We are looking forward to joining the rest of our teammates for the track season coming up."