Harter, Peer Lead Huskers in Opener

The Nebraska cross country team opened up its 2014 season Friday night at the Augustana Twilight in Sioux Falls, S.D., as the Husker men's team opened up the season with a dominating performance winning the meet. The NU women were also much improved, finishing in second in the 22-team field.

Head Coach David Harris was impressed with how both teams performed in their season opening race, but mentioned there is still a lot of room for improvement.

“Both the men's and women's teams had great races tonight, It was nice to see the some of our new runners perform at a high level,” Harris said. “The focus is getting better in the Big Ten, we still have a ways to go but this was a great start.”

Leading the way for the men's team was sophomore Joe Harter, as Harter placed second overall with a blistering time of 18:29.09 in the men's four mile race. Junior Matt Bloch also performed valiantly, placing fifth with a time of 18:44.46
Harris was impressed with the confidence Harter showed during the race, noting that Harter has the ability to run well in the front pack.

“Joe is running with a lot of confidence right now, he certainly tried to win it tonight but just got out dueled at the end,” Harris said. “He hung on and stuck in for second, I think Joe felt good about his race and I did too.”

NU runners Jonah Heng (eighth, 18:51.45), Connor Gibson (12th, 19:02.18) Austin Post (17th, 19:12.24) and Alec Sery (19:22.15) rounded out Husker runners in the top 20.

On the women's side, sophomore Anna Peer lead the women's Husker cross country team, as she finished second with a time of 15:55.48 in the three mile race.

Harris was not surprised with Peer's performance, as he noted, it is something the team has came to expect from the Bettendorf, Iowa native.

“Anna got out and she pushed the pace in the early part of the race, giving herself the lead,” Harris said. “She tried to push away, but a USD girl caught her. I couldn't be more happy with her performance, she is really starting to solidify herself as our top runner.”

Junior Shawnice Williams was the second Husker to cross the finish line, finishing 11h with a time of 16:57.30. Freshman Bonnie Smith finished 15th in her first collegiate cross country competition, with a time of 17:03.06.

Harris was impressed with Smith's performance, noting that the freshman has really improved her running strength over the summer.

“Bonnie got some really good experience last spring in track and that has really helped her so far in cross country, he said. “I think she is going to get better and better as she runs it more.”

The Nebraska cross country team will take a week off of competition as they prepare for their lone home meet of the season. NU will host the Woody Greeno/Nebraska Invitational at Pioneers Park in Lincoln on Sept. 20. The women will start at 10 am with the men’s race following.

Freshmen Post and Sery Shines in First Race
Two true freshmen runners on the Husker men's team performed at a high level in their first collegiate action. Austin Post of Omaha, and Alec Sery of Woolwich Township, N.J., both finished in the top 20 for NU.

Post, who finished 17th impressed Harris with his overall strength on the course, while Sery continues to surprise Harris with his 20th place finish. 
“Alec had a tremendous race, he played soccer in high school so this was his first cross country race in his career,” Harris said. “He continues to really surprise me.”

Harris added that it is very excited for what is to come with the young NU runners.

“Those two freshmen are pretty darn good, they came out and performed in their first race,” he said. “I am excited for what is to come from the freshmen class on both the men's and the women's teams.” ​