The Chart Online

Women exceed expectations, still miss spot in national meet
Tracy Hamilton

Staff Writer

The women's cross country team finished its season on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the South Central Regional Meet at Central Missouri State University.

The team finished fourth out of 11 teams with an average time of 24:24 in the 6-kilometer race. Sophomore Ashley Caffey lead the Lady Lions with her 18th place finish out of 90 runners with a time of 24:11. Other finishes included Michelle Brenner, 24:12; Jen Noelken, 24:21; Erin Click, 24:29; Johanna Kanala, 24:48; Rachel Patterson, 25:07; and Emily Cassin, 24:47.

The team, expected to finish sixth, exceeded the polls and its own expectations. Although the ultimate goal was to finish second to go to nationals, Patty Vavra, head coach, and her runners were pleased with the team's performance.

"We did not miss any opportunity and could not have not done any better concerning effort or heart," she said.

"We ran a good race, but just needed a great race to qualify for nationals."

The team's season consisted of hard work and dedication. The women improved from the first meet to the final regional meet, exceeding the coach's expectations and their own. Each teammate ran each race with a great amount of determination.

"In retrospect, the team ran with a lot of heart," Vavra said.

The runners themselves were also content with each other during the regional meet. The women were happy they exceeded expectations and proved to work harder than any other year.

Altogether, the season was better than expected and we came together as a team when we needed to," said Emily Cassin, junior dental hygiene major.

The women have experienced tough and intense practices with a long season making the final meets slightly more difficult to finish harder. The runners believe the end of the season is the most trying because of how tired their bodies are, especially their legs.

"We have had a good, but stressful semester, but it's the end of the season and our bodies are just wore out," said Rachel Patterson, junior special education major.

It is hoped the team's hard work and dedication will continue throughout next year. The team will not lose any seniors, and may retain 100 percent of its program. The Lady Lions cross country team plans to continue to work hard in the off season in hopes of running away with a conference title for the fall of 2003.