SXU Athletics
Women’s
After having the week off, the women’s cross country team hit the ground running (no pun intended) in the Bethel College Invite.
This race took place at Saint Patrick’s Park in South Bend, Indiana, last Friday, Oct. 10. A total of 161 runners competed in the women’s 5k event. But out of the 16 other schools that participated in this event, Saint Xavier had the most to be proud of.
Even though sixth place may not be the most stellar finish for the team as a whole, it is the individual times that are a big improvement for the ladies. As the season goes on, it is easy to tell that the girls are becoming more and more comfortable within their roles as NAIA runners.
Leading the way for Saint Xavier was junior Ann Kolker. Kolker, who placed 14th for the Cougars finishing with a time of 19:26.5. This was Kolker’s best time in a race since she became a Saint Xavier student three years ago. Congrats to Ann!
Following closely behind Kolker was sophomore Nicole Watkins. Watkins finished in 16th place, crossing the finish line at 19:40.7. Up next for the Cougars was freshman Alondra Delfin. Delfin placed 33rd with a time of 20:16.4.
Coming in at fourth place among her teammates was sophomore Courtney Correa. Correa finished in 42nd place out of 161 with a time of 20:34.8. And finally, senior Ali Proffitt. Proffitt placed 70th with a time of 21:21.7.
Saint Xavier has another week off before their next meet, which will be taking place on October 25th out in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They will be hosted by Aquinas College in the Great Lakes Invitational.
Men’s
Along with the Saint Xavier women’s team, the men were also competing in the Bethel College Invite. But instead of their usual 5k race that the Cougars are accustomed to, this one was an 8k.
While this may not seem like a lot of mileage to a casual sports fan, there is a big difference between these two races. Not only is the distance longer in an 8k, which is pretty obvious, but it is a lot harder to pace yourself right and keep from tiring too quickly.
But the men’s cross country team was up to the challenge! There were three Saint Xavier runners in the contest: Kyle Counter, Victor Solis, and Alex Ray. A total of 135 runners competed in the event.
Crossing the finish line first for the Cougars was Counter. Counter placed 30th overall with a time of 27:01.0. In second place for Saint Xavier, in 42nd place was Solis.
The final Cougar to cross the finish line was Ray. This was one of the first races of the season for Ray, who for limited action, finished with a pretty impressive time. He finished in 80th place with a time of 28:40.4.
What is most impressive about this race is that every, single Cougar finished with their best time of the season. Just like the women, the men seem to be finally getting into the swing of things as runners.
Also like the women’s team, the next event for the Cougars is the Great Lakes Invite on Oct. 25.
Torie Bolster
Sports Editor
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