Cross country teams finish season on right foot
Drew Murphy
Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: Sports
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Saturday in Oskaloosa, with both squads sending a runner to the NAIA Nationals
being held on November 21 in Vancouver, WA.
The men placed third out of seven teams, finishing behind Mount Mercy and conference champions St. Ambrose. Senior Bichok Deng Moines led the Vikings with a third placefinish in a time of 26:22. Nick Newbury, junior, followed Deng with thirteenth place finish. Newbury ran the course in 28:23.
On the women's side, the team finished fourth out of eight schools, behind St. Ambrose, Viterbo and winner Mount Mercy. Sophomore Obsie Birru won first in conference with a time of 18:25 earning her the MCC Harrier of the Year honors. McKelle Lacher, sophomore, finished at 14 in 21:15 and Megan Winkelmann finished at 15 with a time of 21:20.
"Both teams had good efforts" Jerry Monner, head coach, said.
Monner said the increasing heat during the women's race made things more difficult, as they recently had been training in colder weather. He said he was pleased with both teams finishing in the top half.
Birru finishes a dominating season that was highlighted by many accolades.
She had four first place finishes and was MCC runner of the week seven times. Despite individual accomplishments, the cross country teams headed into the conference championships unified.
With their top finishes, Bichok Deng and Obsie Birru qualified for the NAIA National Championships which they will participate in later this month. Deng will make his first national appearance, while Birru makes her second. After competing entirely in the Midwest this season, both runners will be competing in different settings.
"We've never travelled out there," Coach Monner said. The National meet will be held at Fort Vancouver, WA, and will feature runners from 32 teams for both races.
Both teams finished up the regular season at the conference championships. The men placed third twice in Oskaloosa this season (at the conference meet and William Penn Invitational on Oct. 13). The women had three third-place finishes, including the Grand View Invitational on Oct. 2.
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