By: Ethan McGarvey, Sports Information Director
IRVINE, Calif. --- Biola cross country was named the top of the conference last week, after impressive performances across two meets. Benjamin White and Lynette Ruiz headlined the lineup for BU, as they each earned PacWest Runner of the Week awards.
The men's and women's teams took to the course on Friday at the John Elders Invitational in Fullerton, CA. Both squads landed in the top 10 and got the weekend started off for Biola. Saturday saw more action with the rest of the team competing at the DII PreNationals Championship Meet. The women's group took third, while the men grabbed seventh amongst a field of talented programs across the west.
The brilliant results made for the teams being named the PacWest Women's Cross Country Team of the Week and PacWest Men's Cross Country Team of the Week.
"We will continue to work hard and keep building and growing what we are doing," said head coach
Sean Henning. "Most importantly, our goal is always to glorify the Lord with our best efforts, nothing more and nothing less."
On Saturday, Ruiz paced the Eagles on the way to a bronze finish as a team. The sophomore did not put up her best time but came through for the team in 20th place. "Lynette was a little off on Saturday but I'm not worried. She is very fit and will be ready to go in a couple of weeks," added Henning. The result from Ruiz was good enough for the conference weekly honor on Monday, which made for her third of the season.
On the men's side, White led the way for Biola. 18th place and a time of 24:20.6 helped the team land in seventh on Saturday. The graduate transfer gradually picked up the pace in his race, jumping eight spots in between the first split and the finish. White also grabbed his second PacWest Runner of the Week award of the season.
The Biola men's soccer team was also recognized by the conference on Monday afternoon. Following a 1-0-1 week, the Eagles were named the PacWest Men's Soccer Team of the Week.
The BU cross country squad will be back in action at the PacWest Championships in San Leandro, CA on November 5.
