Women’s
On Saturday, the women’s cross country team competed in the NAIA Great Lakes Challenge out at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids, Mich. This race, unlike any others that the Cougars have competed in this season, had a total of 35 teams vying for victory.
And it was because of this that the ladies had a less than stellar showing both as a team and individually in this race. They came in 18th place out of that aforementioned 35 and got to watch Shawnee State take the top prize.
While losing is never easy and finding excuses should always be avoided, it’s safe to say that in a field of 367 runners, trying to put on your best performance is a pretty difficult feat.
Taking a look at the individual level, junior Ann Kolker continued her dominance among her teammates, coming in at 83rd overall with a final 5K time of 20:13.03.
Nicole Watkins, current sophomore, was neck and neck with Kolker all race. Watkins finished with a total time of 20:25.94, giving her a 96th place finish.
Up next for the women’s cross country team was freshman Alondra Delfin, who placed 113th. Her time of 20:25.94 was enough to edge out her teammate, senior Ali Proffit, who finished in 134th.
The final team scorer in the Great Lakes Challenge for the Cougars was sophomore Courtney Correa. She finished in 139th and had a final time of 21:40.46.
November 8 marks the next race day for the women’s team as they participate in the CCAC Cross Country Championships in Elgin, Ill. That race will begin at 11am out at the Wing Park Golf Course.
SXU Athletics
Men’s
I guess the Saint Xavier men’s cross country team believes that three is their magic number?
After having a few weeks off like the ladies did, the men competed in the NAIA Great Lakes Challenge this past weekend. Also like the ladies, the men did not have much to celebrate after their race.
Because the Cougars did not have enough men to qualify Saint Xavier in the team standings, Janis Pastars, Kyle Counter, and Alex Ray competed as individuals.
In the field of 375 runners, Pastars placed 55th overall with a 27:08.78 time in the 8K race. Behind him in 103rd place was his teammate, Counter. Counter’s time of 27:51.40 was enough to give him 103rd place.
Finishing up for the Cougars was sophomore Ray who came in 165th place with a 28:40.68 time.
The men’s team is hoping for better standings and times as they compete in the CCAC Cross Country Championships in a few weeks. We wish them (and the women) all the best!
Torie Bolster
Sports Editor
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