Murray State University Athletics
Saturday, October 28
Charleston, Ill.
All Day
Murray State
vs
Ohio Valley Conference
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics
Racers Compete Saturday At OVC Cross Country Championship
10/26/2017 3:42:00 PM | Men's Cross Country
After finishing eighth last in last years tournament, the Racers are looking to win their first Ohio Valley Conference Cross Country tournament since 1986, as they compete in the 56th men's championship.
Mark Ventura is looking to replicate and improve on his 15th place finish from last season. Ventura was the first Racer to finish in the top-15 since Ryan Davis placed 11th in 2002. He has been one of the top finisher overall for the Racers this season, with a PR of 25:17.6 coming at Pre Nationals at Louisville.
Gavin Galanes and Zach Balleau also look to improve on their top-40 times from last season, as both have been running well this season. Balleau posted a season high of 26:41.71 at the Louisville Classic and Galanes ran impressive times of 26:18.3 at the Louisville Classic and 26:19.4 at Pre Nationals.
The 2017 Ohio Valley Conference Cross Country Championship will be run on Saturday at the Panther Trail Course in Charleston, Illinois. The men's 8K race will begin at 9:00 a.m. CT with the women's 5K following at 10 a.m.
It marks the first time Eastern Illinois has hosted the event since 2005. The meet is free and open to the public.
The OVC Athletes and freshmen of the Year, which are determined by coaches vote, will be announced on Friday night at an awards banquet while the Coach of the Year, Athletes of the Championship and All-OVC honors will be presented following Saturday's Championship.
Mark Ventura is looking to replicate and improve on his 15th place finish from last season. Ventura was the first Racer to finish in the top-15 since Ryan Davis placed 11th in 2002. He has been one of the top finisher overall for the Racers this season, with a PR of 25:17.6 coming at Pre Nationals at Louisville.
Gavin Galanes and Zach Balleau also look to improve on their top-40 times from last season, as both have been running well this season. Balleau posted a season high of 26:41.71 at the Louisville Classic and Galanes ran impressive times of 26:18.3 at the Louisville Classic and 26:19.4 at Pre Nationals.
The 2017 Ohio Valley Conference Cross Country Championship will be run on Saturday at the Panther Trail Course in Charleston, Illinois. The men's 8K race will begin at 9:00 a.m. CT with the women's 5K following at 10 a.m.
It marks the first time Eastern Illinois has hosted the event since 2005. The meet is free and open to the public.
The OVC Athletes and freshmen of the Year, which are determined by coaches vote, will be announced on Friday night at an awards banquet while the Coach of the Year, Athletes of the Championship and All-OVC honors will be presented following Saturday's Championship.
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