A sharp wind cut through Pole Green Park on Saturday morning, sending shockwaves of cold through the thousands of runners that trampled their way to the NIRCA Nationals finish line in Mechanicsville, VA. In an epic end to the 2019 cross country season, UDXC saw the largest number of finishers in club history with a total of 37 runners claiming their own personal victories under the UD name. Full results can be found here

The girls closed off an incredible season with a fierce battle again 212 of some of the best runners in NIRCA, ultimately walking away with 19th place. Pack running has been the primary strategy for the girl’s team this season, and it didn’t let them down here, as every runner paired or tripled up with a buddy at some point throughout the race. 

In true NIRCA fashion, the course was a bit longer than a 6k, which means times were a little off, as such, both the official race time and the converted 6k time will be listed throughout.

Seniors Abby Kaye and Emma Bateman ended their collegiate cross country career with a bang, crossing the line in 24:33.2 (24:01 6k) and 24:54.3 (24:21), respectfully. The team will miss the seniors and the energy, wisdom, and grace they so effortlessly exuded and passed on.

Emily Magoon blasted through the finish line in 25:02 (24:30) with Allison Einig hot on her heels in 25:05.3 (24:33), and Talia Brookstein-Burke close behind in 25:17.9 (24:45). This tight pack resulted in a stunning 1-5 split of just 44 seconds. 

Ana Dacey and Elise LaFramboise rounded out the top seven, running times of 25:40.1 (25:07) and 25:56.9 (25:23), respectfully. The top seven girls fought hard throughout the whole season to stay healthy, and while there were some bumps along the way, the diligence and passion of the team ultimately propelled them to the third fastest average time in club history. 

The girls saw incredible finishes from those in the grade-races as well, with Sophomore Rachel Handleman running 24:45 (24:13) for 14th place out of 195 runners in the fresh/soph race! Freshman Maddie Ciskowski also did extremely well in this race, placing 30th with a time of 25:21.2 (24:48). 

In the women’s junior/senior race, Madison Shuler was the first finisher for UD, coming in at 26:26.5 (25:52), followed closely behind by Emily Hansell in 26:51.5 (26:17), Mara Crispin in 26:56 (26:21), and Caroline O’Gorman in 29:20 (28:42). 

The men did not compete in the Championship race, but they had some incredible finishes in the grade races, which also ended up measuring a bit too long. As such, times have been adjusted to reflect both the official times and the converted 8k time. Schulyer Reed crossed the line in 28:00.7 (27:17 8k), followed by John Papadopoulos about 45 seconds later in 28:46.2 (28:02).

In the junior/senior race, seniors Evan Massa, Ray Smith, Michael Rubin, and Jacob Ewing raced their last cross country meet of their college career, and did so with gusto. The four boys placed 55th,154th, 163rd, and 223rd in a race of 275 men.  

With the cross country season at an end, the Hens will turn their attention towards track, with the first indoor meet scheduled for December 6th at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex.