The Park University Cross Country team got its season off to a running start after a strong showing at the University of Kansas Bob Timmons Classic Saturday, Aug. 31, at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kan.

The Jayhawks welcomed Park, Haskell, Highland Community College, Nebrask-Omaha, Oral Roberts and the University of Missouri Kansas City to the event.

The Classic boasted temperatures of 100 degrees making the outdoor sport much warmer for the Pirates.

Coach Brian Renshaw reflected on the meet and of his runners’ performances.

“It’s key to know where we are in the season, and the Bob Timmons Classis was a good meet to see exactly where we were,” he said.

Competing against NCAA runners in the Classic, two Pirates finished in the top ten. Junior Thomas Chelulei finished fifth in the males; and Freshman Laurel Gagnon placed seventh in the females.

Gagnon finished the 5K race with a time of 19:34 making her presence as a Park Pirate known.

On the men’s side, Chelulei was named AMC Runner of the Week after finishing the 6K race in 19:44.

“Thomas ran a great race,” said Renshaw. “He showed why he is such a good runner at any level. That’s a good way to start the year.”

The Pirates are in action again Saturday, Sept. 14, at the UCM Mule Run in Warrensburg, Mo.