Knoxville, Tenn. - On October 25th, the Freed-Hardeman University cross country teams ran in the NAIA Appalachian Challenge at Sequoyah Hills Park in Knoxville, TN.

The men's race started the day at 8:30am EST, and the day ended with four runners with new PRs. Bo Scott (25:49.8, 54th) led the team, and Blake Brown (26:55.6, 98th) was the next finisher for the Lions. The final three scorers finished within 30 seconds of each other, Daniel Puckett (27:06.5, 107th), Barrett Poe (27:20.0, 119th), Neal Rowlett (27:35.2, 132nd). The team scored 376 points and finished 14th out of 20 teams. The four Lions who walked away with a PR were Brown (32 seconds), Rowlett (26 seconds), Michael Keopf (nine seconds), and Danny Douglas (34 seconds).

The women's race started at 9:15 and involved 188 runners. Eliza Poe (17:56.5, ninth) ended the day with not only a PR, but also a new school record. Mary Pearce (18:09.9, 11th) was right behind Poe and set a 27-second PR. Megan Lampley (19:36.0, 62nd) and Zola Dorris (21:26.0, 131st) were the next two finishers for the Lady Lions, and Mackenzie Reames (21:49.6, 140th) was the final scorer for the team. The team finished ninth out of 18 teams and scored 250 points.

The next race for the Lions and Lady Lions will be the Mid-South Conference Championship in Bowling Green Ky. on November 7.