Auburn graduate returns to home track to compete for Huskers

AUBURN - When the University of Nebraska Cross Country team had their meet at the Rim Rock Classic in Lawrence, Kan. rained out Saturday morning, Head Coach David Harris brought sophomore Allie Binder to the front of the bus to ask her a question.

He wanted to put together a dual meet with Nebraska Wesleyan at the track of her alma mater - Auburn High School. Wesleyan was also scheduled to run at the Rim Rock Classic.

The 2018 graduate was elated to compete at a place where she made "so many great memories." 

"I didn't have a really good ending to my senior year as I hoped," Binder said. "I think this really brings closure, coming from high school into my college career, and just kind of putting a smile on my face after racing one last time on that track."

She had a reason to smile. 

The second-year runner from Table Rock placed ninth in the three-mile race with a time of 18:02. She set her personal best in the 5K (3.1 miles) at 19:05 on Sept. 6.

The Huskers workout on their home track in Lincoln several times throughout the season, so the last minute change from a cross country course to the track wasn't an issue for Binder.

"I kind of had a 'home-court advantage,'" Binder joked. "It was just kind of funny to think of it that way. It was super cool being in that environment. Racing on that track before, I knew what I had to do to accomplish my goals. It was just a really cool experience to get to do that. It was cool seeing a bunch of people coming out to support, as well."

Allie is the daughter of Todd and April. She is majoring in elementary education.

Both the women and the men defeated the Prairie Wolves. Judi Jones paced the women's field in a time of 16:34, while Jordan De Spong captured the men's four-mile race in 19:50.

Nebraska will compete in the Under Armour Pre-Nationals Meet in Terre Haute, Ind. on Oct. 19.

Follow Hunter on Twitter: @TheBurnRadio