Wildcats Battle at Bowles
October 4, 2014

SALEM, Ore. – Racing for the first time in two weeks but without a completely healthy squad, the Wildcats focused on solo highlights – including top finishes by Jaime Rodden and Alex Mangan – after the 40th annual Charles Bowles Invitational, on a warm Saturday at Bush Park.

“It wasn't our best showing today but we also didn't have a full group out there due to sickness and injury,” said head coach Travis Olson. “Individually we had some bright spots.”

Mangan crossed the tape first for Linfield and 70th overall in the Men's Cardinal 8K – which consisted of NCAA DI, DII and DIII teams – completing the course in 26 minutes, 37.6 minutes.  “Alex had a good race and is looking stronger every week,” Olson said.
 

Alex Mangan charges to the finish line at the Charles Bowles Invite.

Rodden was the Wildcats' top finisher on the women's side, taking 66th overall in the Women's Cardinal 5K in 19 minutes, 31.4 seconds.

Fellow rookies Kaelia Neal and also had solid showings, finishing 72nd and 76th overall. Neal completed five kilometers in 19:41.1 and Knudson was just a few seconds behind at 19:44.5. “Jaime, Kaelia and Emma all had good races as freshman and are getting better each week,” Olson said. “Calli also had a 5K PR today and is having the best season of her career.”