TACOMA, Wash. – Johan Correa goes back-to-back, winning the PLU Invitational with an 8K time of 24:23.70. The 'Cats men's and women's teams both finished in 6^th.

QUOTING HEAD COACH JONATHAN HILL
"Today was a great day! Our men are stepping up and finding themselves. It is so fun watching these men discover they have untapped potential within them."

Hill adds, "Johan is a winner. He is talented but also has a mind for the process. He's working on becoming great and understands wins like this are important steps toward bigger ones. Steiner is a big piece on this team too and he'll be a great Wildcat. It is early, and he is young. He is learning how to race and manage the variables of race day. His best marks are ahead of him.

Colin Hitchcock is improving by leaps and bounds. He's got a great attitude and loves his team. Tiernan, Kelvin, Jack, Max, Chase, and Quentin all looked like different men from two weeks ago. I'm so proud of their resiliency today and long-term commitment to the group."  

HOW IT HAPPENED
Johan Correa expressed excitement about his second straight victory. "I am pretty happy with today's victory. I was not feeling my best today, so being able to win made me feel good. Determination and resilience were significant factors for today's success."

Steiner Christensen finished 27^th with a time of 26:23.50, Colin Hitchcock crossed the line in 26:53.80 good for 38^th, and Tiernan Hagerty was 59^th completing the 8K in 27:46.70.
"This is a good team, said Hill. Each day is an opportunity for the guys to learn more about themselves and the coaches to learn more about what we have here and how to unlock their potential."

Lauren Thompson led the women placing 29^th and finishing the 6K in 24:15.20, and Madison Thompson and Camryn Holterhoff finished 39^th and 40^th.

"Our women's team showed the strength of the pack today! We emphasized the idea of togetherness all week and the workout rhythm showed up in competition. To put things in perspective, this was Madi Thompson's season opener and most of our team's first-ever 6K race."

Hill adds, "We are right where we want this group to be healthy, motivated, and taking daily steps forward. These women know they have talent and potential, and they have high expectations of themselves. In terms of coach's goals for this group, today was a big win."

UP NEXT
The 'Cats travel to Bellingham next Saturday for the Bill Roe Classic.