The cross country runners left everything on the course Saturday at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships in St. Charles, Mo.

“Timing wise we were right where we wanted to be,” senior AJ Jimenez said. “Everyone ran excellent on Saturday.”

The men’s team finished fourth, while the women’s squad ended up getting sixth overall.

Sophomore Arnold Sirorei placed ninth in the men’s race and in doing so qualified for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Cross Country Championships. His time of 25:44 also allowed him to write a new chapter in the record books, as his time was the fastest by a Baker runner in the 8000-meter run in school history.

Sirorei said he is excited for the national championship race and also was satisfied with the team’s improvement.

“We did better than last year,” Sirorei said.

Jimenez, the lone senior on the men’s side, said he was pleased with the team’s performance and his last cross country race.

Freshman Stephanie Colwell said the women’s team finished respectably, especially considering all the injuries and recent illnesses that have plagued the team.

“We could have done a little bit better,” Colwell said. “I still say everyone ran their hearts out and did as best as they could.”

She added the women’s team really stepped up its game.

“It was probably the best meet that I think anyone has had this year,” she said. “It was great to go St. Louis and lay it all out on the line.”

Seniors Amber Keith, Ari Penner, Shawnee Barron and Katey Wegemer completed their final race.

Colwell believes, despite losing four key members, that the women’s team should be able to keep improving and be successful in future years.

“I think the future is looking really bright,” she said. “As long as everyone keeps trying hard and working hard, we will get up there.”