Farrand makes long-awaited return in Storm sweep
STORM LAKE, Iowa – Sidelined for the past 23 months due to injury, Simpson junior Joe Farrand made his much-anticipated return to the cross country course at the Buena Vista Invitational on Friday night.
He didn't disappoint.
Farrand took home medalist honors in the men's race and Simpson won the team competition on both sides, capping off a successful evening for the Storm harriers.
"Having Joe racing again was the highlight of the night, regardless of his finish," second-year head coach Heath Moenck said. "To persevere and keep fighting these past two years is a true testament to his character and commitment to his teammates and the program."
The Simpson men dominated the 24-man field, taking the top three spots and seven of the top ten. Simpson finished with 17 points, ahead of host school Buena Vista (47) and Iowa Lakes CC (81).
The first 8K race of the season went to Farrand, who finished in 26:41.76. Mitchell Davis came in second (26:55.63) and John Warnke took third (26:58.09).
Jake Sutton led the Storm's chase pack, taking third (27:25.58). Nick Yeager completed the course in 27:35.16 for sixth, Miles Kirts took seventh (27:52.10) and Andrew Mayes came in ninth (28:18.81) to round out Simpson's top seven.
"I thought our men ran well for the first 8K of the season," Moenck said. "We showed a nice improvement from our first race and I'll expect the same in two weeks. We really focused on running in packs tonight and the guys executed the race plan well."
The women's 6K painted a similar picture as Simpson ran away with the team competition with 23 points, followed by Iowa Lakes (54) and Buena Vista (59).
After missing the first race of the season, last year's team MVP - Jade Osborne - led the Storm with a second-place finish, crossing the finish line in 25:25.40.
Giving chase behind Osborne was Lindsey Borgomainerio, who finished a close third (25:31.54). Lauren Doocy came in fifth (25:43.09) and Breanna Gaster placed sixth (25:58.80).
RaeLea Jones cracked the top ten in placing ninth (26:35.62), Emily Manning came in 10th (26:54.21) and Shelby King rounded out Simpson's top seven in 11th (26:58.80).
"Our women's squad was boosted by the return of our top runner in Jade," Moenck said. "We made progress tonight covering our first 6K of the season. I'm excited for the future of this team as we continue to make great improvements."
Simpson returns to action Oct. 6 when it takes part in Coe's Lamb-Kohawk Invitational in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
