The Lindenwood men's and women's cross country teams competed in the 24^th Southern Stampede hosted by Missouri Southern University on Saturday morning. The women's squad placed 5^th out of 23 teams while the men's team finished 16^th out of 21 teams.

The Southern Stampede marked the first 5k of the season for the Lady Lions. The women were led by Tanya Chibanda who was the overall individual winner out of 196 runners with a time of 18:41. Chibanda has finished in the top five overall in both meets this season. Courtney Heidorn followed with a time of 19:24 for a 24^th overall finish. Behind her was Ai Shinohara in 38^th place with a time of 19:36. Aaryn Edge placed 62^nd, while Mary Brosamer-Senger held the fifth and final score for Lindenwood with a time of 20:29.

“It was a good steady team effort,” said head coach Randy Cole. “I think we'll continue to be better as we go through the season.” 

Lindenwood recorded 179 points as a team. Finishing ahead of the Lady Lions was University of Central Oklahoma, Baker University, Roger State University, and Eastern New Mexico University, who claimed the top spot with 64 total points.

Ben McGraw led the men for the second time this season, finishing the 8K course in 26:41 for 22^nd place. Brady Novak recorded the second score for Lindenwood with a time of 27:38. Aaron Parker followed with a time of 28:33 for 103^rd place. The final two scores belonged to Wesley Barger and Nathaniel Sagul with times of 29:09 and 29:28, respectively.

“The guys have been steady,” added Cole. “But they still have some work to do to get where we want to be.”

The Lions scored 389 points as a team. Southwestern College claimed the top spot with 48 total points.

The men's and women's cross country teams will be back in action September 29^th as they travel to Louisville, Kentucky for the Louisville Cross Country Classic.