TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Freshman
Haley Blackburn turned in a record-setting performance to lead IU Kokomo women's cross country Friday at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course, setting a freshman 6K program record while climbing the Cougars' all-time performance lists.
Blackburn crossed the line in 23:45.8 to finish 57th overall against a strong field that included several NCAA Division I programs. Her personal-record time made her the No. 5 performer in program history and stands as the seventh-fastest 6K time in school history in addition to establishing a new IU Kokomo freshman record.
The Cougars finished 13th in the team standings with 406 points while competing on the same course that will host the NCAA Cross Country Championships later this fall.
Blackburn was one of several Cougars to turn in strong individual performances. Alexis Sibray, Elly Potts, Erabella Winrotte, Kaylee Futrell, Kaytlin Moeller, Keeley Carpenter, Madi Walkup and Shalyn Schoettmer each recorded personal-best times.
Erica Grubbs, Alysha Crouch, Amber Detmer and Ava Jefferis each added season-best performances for IU Kokomo.
"Haley continues to impress and run well," head coach Josh Colvin said. "She set the all-time freshman record for the 6K. This was a great experience for our women's team to run against some top-tier Division I schools and also to run on a great course on a great weather evening. This is our conference course, and although many of our women have run on this course in high school, this was their first 6K on this course. For the newcomers, it was their first experience overall at the 6K distance."
Cougars Women's Results (6K)
57. Haley Blackburn — 23:45.8
118. Alysha Crouch — 25:37.3
131. Amber Detmer — 26:31.8
135. Keeley Carpenter — 26:34.0
138. Kaytlin Moeller — 26:40.8
139. Alexis Sibray — 26:46.1
140. Ava Jefferis — 27:07.0
141. Erica Grubbs — 27:08.4
144. Madi Walkup — 27:23.2
151. Kaylee Futrell — 28:11.4
158. Elly Potts — 28:46.2
164. Shalyn Schoettmer — 30:13.3
166. Erabella Winrotte — 30:59.4
The Cougars are set to return to action this Friday, October 9th, at Taylor University as part of the Ray Bullock Invitational.
For the latest news, updates and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, X and Instagram.
