KIBET, KIBARAR FINISH 2-3 AT MASTERSON TWILIGHT

Andrew Kibet (middle) placed second and Sylvester Kibarar was third as the Blue Dragon men placed second in the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic at Fun Valley on Friday night. (Travis Morisse/Hutchinson CC)

August 30, 2019

Hutchinson CC Sports Information

For the second-straight year, the final half time of the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic was the decisive stretch.

One year ago, Hutchinson Community College runners Andrew Kibet and Sylvestre Kibarar were locked in a high-speed duel with Cloud County. In the final half time, Kibet ran away from the field to open what became a national championship season for him.

Friday night at Fun Valley, the two Blue Dragon runners and Cloud County were once again pushing an impressive pace over the four-mile course. Cloud County's Dais Malebana took charge in that final half mile to defeat both Kibet and Kibarar.

CLICK FOR FINAL RESULTS (Courtesy Heartland Timing)

Malebana's individual title helped the Thunderbirds defeat Hutchinson for the 2019 team title. Cloud County had 23 points to Hutchinson's 42. Cowley was third with 11 points.

The Blue Dragons had three runners finish in the top nine, but Cloud County had runners finish first, fourth, finish, sixth and seventh propel the Thunderbirds to the team championship.

Kibet finished with a second-place time of 19:56.2. Kibarar was third with a time of 20:27.5. Freshman Teagan Flanagan was ninth with a time of 21:43.7 and freshman Austin Lorenzo was 13th with a time of 22:05.7.

Jeffrey Klopt placed 15th overall with a time of 22:12.5. Andrew Holt was 17th with a time of 22:12.5. All-American Brett Hillabrand placed 18th in a time of 22:31.6. Zach Haxton was 21st 22:57.7.

Matthew Schrag placed 34th with a time of 23:23.8 and Alex Nava was 50th with a time of 24:14.6.

The Blue Dragons run their first 8K race of the season on September 21 at the Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin, Missouri.