By Melanie Roberts
The University of Saint Mary Cross Country team approaches the end of their 2018 season. On Saturday November 3rd, both men and women teams will compete at the KCAC Cross Country Championships at Bethel College. The women’s race starts at 10:15 and men’s race starts at 11:15.
Both programs are coming in on top, entering the meet ranked 1st in the KCAC Conference. The men are currently ranked 9th in the nation and will be racing for their 6th straight KCAC Conference Championship. The women are currently ranked 21st in the nation and will be racing for their 2nd straight KCAC title and 3rd in 5 years.
Without a doubt both teams are making the University of Saint Mary known with their phenomenal performances at every race they compete in. The men’s team has placed in the top five in all of their races so far, including finishing first place in two events, placing them 7th in NAIA Top 25. The women’s team also ranked 25th in NAIA top 25 which places them in the top five in all of their events this year.
Last week, two Spires were awarded athlete of the week from cross country. Phillip Lagemann, a senior member of the men’s team, who finished first at the NAIA Seminole Valley event on Saturday, October 24th, has also earned three KCAC runner of the week honors this season. Senior Kaitlyn Shoemaker earned two runner of the week honors this season and individually finished first at the NAIA Seminole Valley race.
The upcoming race on November 3rd is a determining race for the Spires. Depending on results from this Saturday, either team could qualify for the National Championship meet. If they qualify, the team would leave Tuesday, November 13th and be gone through the week until Saturday, November 17th.
Spires will strive to keep their season going as long as possible. Continue to support them as they approach the final runs of the 2018 season. Check for Spire updates on twitter @USM_JCOM.
To find out more about the Cross-Country team’s successful season, check out http://www.gospires.com/sport/0/4.
Melanie Roberts is a Sophomore at the University of Saint Mary and majoring in Digital Communications.
USM SPIRE-TIMES 