Anticipation hummed as runners and onlookers alike warmed up for the 2023 season opener versus the Saint-Louis Billikens (an alien-looking mascot, sort of). Saint Louis University’s Spencer Werner felt the excitement more than anyone and rapidly separated out of the gates. 

Through the first four kilometers Spencer remained the leader, but a rapidly approaching pack of Tigers hunted him down before the five kilometer mark. Led by Mizzou’s Drew Rogers and Blake Morris, Mizzou  began to break its relentless packrun to sprint toward the finish. 

When asked about this winning sequence, sophomore Drew Rogers echoed his debuting coach Kyle Levermore’s preaching “bring somebody with you.” Rogers (18:14.8) did this, finishing first and only .1 second before senior Blake Morris (18:14.9). SLU’s Harrison Martinenko (18:18.5) finished third, just edging out Mizzou’s Ryder James (18:18.6) for fourth. 

Winner Drew Rogers was gracious in victory, stating “It’s not about me, it’s about the team this year. We have ten guys that can do what I do.” Drew continued to show his high character by shouting out other runners he felt made a leap, chief among these fellow sophomore Luke Voekler (18:52.5) who began his 2023 campaign by shaving a minute off his personal best time at Gans Creek.

Coach Kyle Levermore glowed when asked about his Tigers’ performance and execution, but warned that many tougher challenges lie ahead. Levermore is already focused on the rapidly approaching Gans Creek Classic, specifically noting the expectation of several more schools and runners to compete with. Despite his warnings, coach Levermore’s eyes and body language portray a larger truth: Mizzou is in for an exciting year of cross country!

Mizzou takes part in the Gans Creek Classic on Sept. 29, which kicks off at 9 a.m. for the men and 9:45 a.m. for the women. A full list of competing teams has not been published for the event. Last year, the Gans Creek Classic saw as many as 22 teams complete. 

Stay classy Columbia.