Men are 4th, Women compete well at NACC XC Championships

Photo Credit: Jeff Wilson
Photo Credit: Jeff Wilson
The Men's and Women's Cross Country team traveled up to Greenfield Park in West Allis, WI for the second time this season, this time for the NACC Cross Country Championships. After over 7 inches of snow, the course conditions were less than ideal for all the student-athletes competing. 
 
The men got the day started and ultimately placed 4th, improving on last years 6th place finish. They were led by So. Julian Go who received his first All-Conference honors placing 15th in 28:55.7. The next three Scarlet Hawks across the line were Fr. Louis Kethman right behind Go in 16th in 29:12.9, the second Freshman across the line in the race. Jr. Tom Doyle was the third man across the line placing 19th in 29:40.6 and So. Evan Balizado was 24th in 30:11.0. Also competing for the men were Jr. Mo Saleem and Spencer Clark running 34:21.1 and 38:27.3 respectively. 
 
Head Coach Tyler McQuality had to say, "It definitely wasn't the day our men's team was wanting or expecting after all of our hard work we have put in. However, this time is truly on the right path with our culture and the kids are buying into the vision that we want to be successful in the future and compete for championships."
 
The women were led by Sr. Erin Nelson yet again as she placed 16th, just missing All-Conference honors running 27:21.7. Following Nelson were Fr. Abigail Schulz running 29:49.1 and Jr. Zoey Krevitz clocking in a time of 34:14.4. 
 
"Our women ran phenomenal today, Erin just missed All-Conference honors, but it was the best race I have ever seen her run. She executed the race plan and put herself in perfect position, sometimes it just doesn't work out but I could not be more proud of her. Abigail and Zoey also ran their best races of the season at the right time which is always the goal," said Head Coach Tyler McQuality. 
 
Assistant Coach Desmond Meyer has recaped his thoughts, "This past weekend's championship was a challenge for our Men's and Women's teams physically and mentally. On the Men's side, the guys battled strongly in the later stages of the race. We were able to get one All-Conference athlete in Julian, so that is definitely something that should be celebrated. Furthermore, I believe this weekend's meet for the men will have them prepared come regionals. On the women's side, the girls battled from start to finish. Although times were not the greatest due to the conditions, the effort they gave from beginning to end is something that did not go unnoticed this past weekend. All in all, this past weekend's championship has made us a better team for later down the road."
 
Next up for the team is the NCAA Division III Regional Championships at Lake Breeze Golf Club in Winnecone, WI on November 16th.