Redhawk Cross Country Claims Victory in Both Races Friday

Friday, September 4

Cape Girardeau, Mo.

6:15 p.m.

Southeast Missouri State University

Redhawks Invite

Ojutkangas, Eftink, Haynes starting Redhawk Invite

Photo by: SEMO Creative Media

9/4/2026 9:24:00 PM | Cross Country

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri cross country teams competed at the Redhawk Invite in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Friday night.

The men's team finished the 4k race first out of three teams racking up 20 points across the top 5 finishers. SIUE took second place with 59 points beating out Lindenwood.

Myles Thornburg paced the team finishing in 2^nd with a time of 24:53.9. Cade McCadams finished behind him in 3^rdwith a time of 12:50.1. Trey Mygatt finished 4^th with a time of 12:51.7. Carson Koerber finished 5^th with a time of 12:55.0 and Evan fuller finished 6^th with a time of 12:58.0.

Other Finishers for the Redhawks included Lincoln Crews (7^th, 12:58.1), Drew Upperman (8^th, 12:58.4), Conner Soendker (11^th, 13:15.5), Zach Thoman (14^th, 13:28.5), Alex Bequette (15^th, 13:33.2), Zach Duffie (25^th, 14:41.4)

The women's team finished the 3k race in first out of four, collecting 17 points. SIUE follows in second with 44 points, Lindenwood in third with 75, and UHSP in fourth with 114.
Nova Ojutkangas finished first for SEMO finishing in 1^st in 10:18.3, ahead of Jocelyn Haynes behind her in 2^nd in 10:53.2. Lauren Eftink finished third on the team, in 3^rd in 10:58.4. Daphne Bishop finished fourth in 11:02.8 and wrapping up the scoring was Claire Horstmann in 7^th with a mark of 11:11.7.

Other finishers for the team included Aleah Box (10^th, 11:39.5), Julia Martinez Dura (15^th, 11:50.5), Mattea Pearsall (21^st12:00.1) and Ceyda Bayur (23^rd, 12:16.4).

"Despite the heat and humidity, and the pushback on the races, we had some really terrific day today. Better than expected from a number of kids. This is one of the deepest teams we've ever had." said Coach Lane at the conclusion of the meet.

The Redhawks will have a week off before they return to the trail in the Show-Me State competing in the OVC Conference Preview hosted by Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.