SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (November 15, 2019) – The Wyoming cross country teams wrapped up competition at the NCAA Mountain Region Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Cowboys placed sixth as a team with 217 points following the 10-kilometer race, while the Cowgirls ended in 12^th with 317.5 points after their 6-kilometer race. Entering the race, the Cowboys were ranked sixth in the region, while the Cowgirls were ranked 14^th.
 
"I'm super proud of both these teams," said head coach Scott Dahlberg. "They ran tough and competed very well."
 
Senior Christopher Henry was the Cowboys' top finisher on the day, earning all-region honors by placing 17^th. He crossed the line in 30:56.6. Henry will represent the Cowboys as an individual at the NCAA National Championships.
 
"Chris ran amazingly tough out there," Dahlberg said. "There was a point he was starting to lose contact with the main lead pack, but he fought back and made great moves, finishing with an impressive last 2k to earn a spot as an individual. The guy is a great competitor, and I'm super happy for him."
 
Senior Paul Roberts just missed all-region recognition, as he placed 27^th with a time of 31:18.9. Senior Harry Ewing placed 46^th with a time of 31:49.3. Junior Jerald Taylor and senior Daniel Hintz rounded out Wyoming's scorers as they placed 63^rd and 65^th with times of 32:31.4 and 32:22.2, respectively.
 
"They put it all on the line and ran with everything they had today," Dahlberg said. "we ran like a team that belonged at nationals, but unfortunately we didn't have the regular season wins we needed. There's been a good amount of speed bumps the last few months, and I'm proud of how these guys came together and kept battling to take their best shot."
 
Redshirt freshmen Albert Steiner and Blake Hubert also competed for the Pokes, and they placed 72^nd and 86^th with times of 32:44.1 and 33:03.9, respectively.
 
Northern Arizona, which hasn't lost a race since 2015, placed first with 21 points. Colorado earned the second automatic NCAA nationals qualifying spot, finishing second with 53 points.
 
For the Cowgirls, sophomore Katelyn Mitchem placed 35^th with a time of 21:02.3, while senior Kacey Doner finished in 52^nd with a time of 21:21.5. Sophomore Addi Iken was 70^th overall with a time of 21:48.2, while senior Ashley Bock was 74^th, crossing the line in 21:51.7. Redshirt freshman Kaleigh Douglass rounded out the Cowgirl scorers with an 86^th-place finish with a time of 22:05.2
 
"The number one goal this season was to be consistent and to progress," Dahlberg said. "They did that. We beat some teams we haven't beaten this year and also made up a lot of ground on a few more. This was a very good year, and we're excited about the things to come."
 
Sophomore Kaylee Bentley placed 99^th with a time of 22:27.2, while sophomore Victoria Tenpenny was 108^th with a time of 22:44.8.
 
BYU was the women's champion with 70 points, while Mountain West rival New Mexico picked up the No. 2 spot with 83 points.
 
"To the seniors, we're really going to miss them and appreciate all they have done for this program," Dahlberg said. "They have left an amazing mark for a great group of young athletes who are showing great potential."
 
Henry will race at the NCAA National Championships in Terre Haute, Ind., on Saturday, Nov. 23.
 
NCAA Mountain Region Championships
Rose Park Golf Course
Salt Lake City, Utah
November 15, 2019
 
Cowgirl Results
Team
12. Wyoming – 317.5 points
 
Individual
35. Katelyn Mitchem – 21:02.3
52. Kacey Doner – 21:21.5
70. Addi Iken – 21:48.2
74. Ashley Bock – 21:51.7
86. Kaleigh Douglass – 22:05.2
99. Kaylee Bentley – 22:27.2
108: Victoria Tenpenny – 22:44.8
 
Cowboy Results
Team
6. Wyoming – 217 points
 
Individual
17. Christopher Henry – 30:56.6
27. Paul Roberts – 31:18.9
46. Harry Ewing – 31:49.3
63. Jerald Taylor – 32:21.4
65. Daniel Hintz – 32:22.2
72. Albert Steiner – 32:44.1
86. Blake Hubert – 33:03.9