College cross country: Gonzaga’s James Mwaura, Washington State’s Emma Jenkins lead way at Cougar Classic

COLFAX – Gonzaga freshman James Mwaura and Washington State freshman Emma Jenkins had the top times Friday at the Cougar Classic cross country meet on the Colfax Golf Course.

Mwaura, who has won both of his collegiate races, completed the men’s 8,000-meter course in 23 minutes, 55 seconds, the fourth-fastest time in program history. He held off former Mead High and University of Washington runner Andrew Gardner (24:09), who ran unattached.

Gonzaga’s Kyle Thompson (24:17) and Yacine Guermali (24:19) took the next two spots to lead the Bulldogs (21 points) to the team title.

Jenkins finished the women’s 6,000 in 20:53, 8 seconds up on Portland State’s Sarah Medved with Idaho senior Andrea Condie another second back.

Portland State (34 points) topped WSU (44) for the team title.