The Lincoln Christian cross country teams continued to test themselves amongst the best in the region last week, as the Bulldogs competed at the top meet in the country in Northwest Arkansas.

The girls took 20th overall and the boys were 4nd overall last Saturday, as both events featured over 870 runners.

"Chile Pepper typically attracts the top teams in the nation and this year was no different," said Lincoln head coach Stephen Lewelling. 

"Teams from eight states were represented and five individual state leaders were there. The No. 1 time in the nation was run. We were grateful to be at such a prestigious meet."

The girls were led by sophomore Madison Miller, who finished 31st overall with a time of 18:07.

Senior Bentley Stewart ran 18:52 to finish 71st, while Isabelle Truitt was just outside the top 100 by running 19:14.

"The girls were led my Madi Miller, who broke our school record (previously held by Baylee Woodrich)," said Lewelling. "Bentley, Izzy and Bella followed then freshmen Emmy Smith stepped into the top five and broke into our top 20 all time list."

We were the top small school from Oklahoma and we head into regionals with a lot of momentum."

Ramirez ran 20:15, while Smith ran 20:41, Brea Gardner finished at 22:26 and Evie Sullivan had a time of 22:29.

The girls 5k race featured 102 teams, with Lincoln finished as the second best small school.

On the boys side, Lincoln finished just outside the top 40 in a field that featured 1,087 runners.

Noah Caughey continued to run well for the Bulldogs, placing 47th with a time of 15:36.

Ty Brooks was just inside the top 150, running 16:12.

"The boys had a breakout performance from Noah Caughey who moved all the way to No. 3 on our all time list, behind two Gatorade Runners of the Year in Andrew Smithwick and Luke Murphy," said Lewelling. "Freshman Landon Durborow solidified his place in our top five runners and is now in our top 20 all time list."

Durborow had the third fastest time on Lincoln's team, running 16:58, while Benjamin Bouldin ran 17:00, Cristiano Sejera finished at 17:28, Lincoln Sutton clocked in at 17:39, Logan Roe ran 17:48 and Judah Dillingham had a time of 18:34.

Both teams got better as the race moved on, which is something Lewelling highlighted and was proud of.

"Both teams moved up through the race," said Lewelling. "The girls went from from 29th at the mile to 22nd and the boys went from 54th to 42nd. Progressing through the race shows our running IQ and training coming through when others are fading."

Lincoln is at regionals next weekend before competition in the state meet on Oct. 24 in Midwest City at Carl Albert.

"This is a wonderful group who is a joy to coach," said Lewelling. "I'm really looking forward to the last two meets with them."

The boys are looking for the program's 5th straight title and will hope to do so in Class 3A after dropping down. The program has won nine state championships — all since 2014.

The girls hope to win their 4th in a row, this time in 3A after also dropping down. The program has won five state titles — all since 2016.