Washington State University Victorious in Men’s JK Gold Classic Race

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By Paul Suellentrop

Faith Ekart lives in a Shocker Hall suite with three other freshmen distance runners at Wichita State. Adjusting to college life and competition is often a challenge, so learning together is a bonus.

“I’m definitely getting a lot more sleep than I did in high school,” Ekart said. “We’re like ‘We need our nine hours every night.’ We can keep each other accountable and make sure we’re where we need to be. It’s pretty fun.”

Wichita State distance coach Kirk Hunter is watching a lot of his runners find their way in September. His men’s and women’s cross country teams will lean on young runners as the programs restock after graduation and deal with injuries that will delay the season debuts of top runners.

Adjusting to College Life

Ekart and her fellow freshmen distance runners are not only adjusting to the rigors of college-level academics but also the demands of being student-athletes. They have found a supportive network within their suite to help navigate the challenges that come with this transition.

On Saturday at Clapp Cross Country Course, the Shocker men won the JK Gold Classic for a third straight year by finishing ahead of American Athletic Conference foe North Texas. Both teams entered the season ranked No. 12 in their region.

Junior Yared Kidane, running for WSU for the first time after competing unattached last season, showcased his potential by placing third in the 6-kilometer race.

The WSU women placed third behind conference rivals Tulsa and North Texas with Sarah Bertry placing sixth. Hunter sees great promise in Kidane’s performance, indicating he could be a key player in future competitions.

Eager Freshmen

The men’s and women’s cross country teams are relying heavily on their freshmen athletes to step up and fill the gaps left by graduated and injured runners. This season is shaping up to be a learning experience for the new recruits, with both Faith Ekart and Yared Kidane showing early signs of promise.

Ekart’s dedication to training and increased mileage have paid off with significant improvements in her performance compared to high school. This dedication and work ethic are contributing to a positive start to her collegiate running career.

Ekart’s commitment to training and the support of her teammates have helped her transition smoothly into the collegiate running scene, setting a strong foundation for her future in the sport.

A Promising Future

As the season progresses, Coach Hunter is looking for continued growth and development from his team, especially the young runners who are stepping into crucial roles. The mentorship and guidance provided by seasoned athletes like Yared Kidane are crucial in nurturing the talent and potential of the newcomers.

The men’s and women’s cross country teams at Wichita State are poised for a season of learning, growth, and teamwork as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with collegiate competition.

Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.