Davis Leads IHCC Harriers

Pella, IA -- Taking advantage of what his coach calls "a good summer running program," Indian Hills sophomore Eric Davis led the Warriors in Saturday's Dutch Invitational hosted by Central College.

Davis, from Quincy, Ill., ran the 8K course at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex in 31:01 to lead the group of six IHCC runners who took part in the second event of the fall.  Davis finished in 49th place, just ahead of teammates Colter Hentzel and Ray Quiroz. 

Hentzel, a sophomore from Ft. Madison, had a time of 31:26 and Quiroz, a soph from Columbus Junction, finished in 31:33.

"Eric Davis ran a very smart race by going out at a moderate pace," said Indian Hills coach Jim Streeby.  "He was third on the team at the one-mile and two-mile marks and then just kept moving up, with his fifth mile being his fastest."

The Warriors had three other runners who took part in the meet: Hunter Wilz, a freshman from Eddyville, who ran 35:32; Austin Emry, a freshman from Grinnell, who posted a time of 35:59; and freshman Ben Wheeler from Martelle, with a time of 38:28.

Streeby said, "This was our first meet to compete at the 8K distance.  Getting in good training has been a little more difficult because of the high temps, but we have not missed a day of training.  We have had to shorten some workouts and find shade where possible and have fluids available."

The times early in the season have reflected the reduced training, according to the IHCC coach.  "Our times can only get better as the season progresses," said Streeby.  "We have eight weeks left in the season to work into faster times.  But all teams in Iowa are facing this same situation.  The runners with the best summer program are going to have a big advantage right now."

Indian Hills will take part in the Les Duke Invitational in Grinnell this Saturday.