Austin, Texas ? Kansas University’s men’s cross country team placed fourth and the women 10th at the Big 12 Conference cross country championships Friday at Barton Creek Golf Course.

The Jayhawks, who had their best-ever finish at the Big 12 meet, totaled 135 points. Colorado won with 38, followed by Oklahoma State (91) and Texas A&M (119). KU’s women scored 223 points in the race, which also was won by Colorado (45).

“I’m excited with the men’s team placing fourth. We are going to continue to work hard and prepare for regionals,” KU coach Stanley Redwine said.

“Our women didn’t have a good race, and things just didn’t go well. We have to find out what happened and get better before the regional meet (Nov. 15 at Oklahoma State).”

KU’s men were led by freshman Benson Chesang, who placed 11th in a time 25:05.9. Junior Chris Jones placed 18th and sophomore Cameron Schwehr 27th.

The women were led by senior Laura Lavoie, who finished 32nd in 23:03.5.

Colorado’s Dathan Ritzenhein and Natalie Florence claimed the individual championships.

Colorado has won every men’s Big 12 title since the conference was formed in 1996. CU’s women have won all but one of the last eight conference crowns.

Ritzenhein took the lead at the two-kilometer mark and held off second-place finisher Paul Morrison of Texas. Ritzenhein finished the 8K race in 24:11 and Morrison in 24:25.3.

On the women’s side, Florence helped the Buffs earn their fifth consecutive Big 12 team and individual titles. Florence finished the 6K course in 21:25.6. Colorado’s Renee Metivier was second in 21:34.1.