Kansas Wesleyan University :: Athletics

Women's Cross Country captures first ever KCAC Title
by: Zach Kindler, KWU Cross Country Coach

We did it! Our ladies pulled through and ran a supper race. I am very proud of the ladies and the efforts that they put out this year and especially their efforts today. It has been our goal for the entire year since last year the ladies fell just short of winning it so this year we knew that if we went out and ran the times that we were capable of, then it could happen. Nicole Heptig, KWU sophomore, ran exceptionally well. After the first mile she broke away from the pack and led the entire race and ended up winning it easily by 10 seconds. I really didn’t know what to expect from her since we have been battling some injuries but she pushed through them all and ran an amazing race. Mandy Martin, a newcomer to cross country this year, ran another great race and really battled hard to get in the top ten to become All Conference. She has been gradually stepping up her times and was able to peak at the right meet and run a great race. Andrea Velez and Meredith Harns, both soccer stars, stepped up and ran the race that they needed to run for us to win the conference. Andrea, despite the fact that here entire foot was black and blue from a soccer injury that occurred on Tuesday when the Coyotes finished their season, ran her heart out on every step. She told me after the race, even though it hurt, I still knew that I want that championship more than anything. Emily Ptacek, KWU freshman, ran the perfect race for her. We knew that we were going to need to pack up and run well together. With Emily’s effort of cutting nearly two minutes of her last meets time, we knew that we were going to have a great shot at placing at the top. Elizabeth Harns, another soccer player, came out did what she had to do and battle off the Tabor and Friends runs to help the team win the title. Amber Canterbury, who is also underway with basketball, might not realize the amount of help that she was able to contribute. She was able to fight of the number 5 runner from Tabor, who got second in team points, which enable us to achieve our victory. Sarah Vanek, our final runner ran a good race coming off only 4 weeks ago running a marathon. Our goal was to bring home some hardware and with two All-Conference medals, two All-Conference Honorable Mention medals, KCAC Coach of the Year plaque, and the KCAC Championship trophy, I would have to say it was a great day. I am very pleased with the ladies for their opportunity to bring back to Kansas Wesleyan the first ever KCAC women’s cross country title.

For our guys side, we also achieved something for the first time, we were able to finish 5 runners and place as a team. Even though placing 9th, we had a great group of guys that were able to step it up and run hard. Gabe Russell was top finisher running a time of 32:01 and placed 29th. Josh Southard, Shane Cooper, Antjuan Bouldin, and Jim O'Leary, all soccer players, got a taste of cross country and with there help we were able to place as a team. I want to thank everybody for all the support through out the year and lets cheer on the ladies next weekend when they travel to Lincoln, NE for the NAIA regional meet. Once again good luck to all and have a great day! GO YOTES!!!