One week after running his first career sub 15 and finishing 4th at the Southlake XC Invite in Texas, the Tigers traveled to Kansas to compete at the Olathe Twilight and for a second straight week, Owen Kelley got it done.
Against a field of 463, the senior from Bentonville picked up a massive victory, taking down some of the best runners that Kansas has to offer. En route to his first victory of the season, Kelley also ran the fastest time in Arkansas high school cross country history - no big deal.
Over the course of 5,000m, Kelley ran a 14:50.00, which also happens to be the 11th fastest time run in the United States so far this season.
The boys from Bentonville finished 3rd while averaging a 15:48, the second straight week the team has averaged under 15:50. Carter Beasley finished 27th, while Logan Hurley finished 15:57.20, running his first career sub 16.
Tishan Abeyagunawardene came in next in 49th, while Ryan Fernstrom rounded out the team's top five in 59th.
The absence of Matthew Shelly, last season's 6A state champion, continues to loom, but only adds to the intrigue of the the 2023 NXN qualifiers. The Tigers host the inaugural Sugar Creek Showdown next week and Shelly's participation will be a story we keep our eyes on.
Congratulations to Owen and the rest of the Bentonville boys squad!