Spring Break
W. cross country finishes 13th in the nation
Issue date: 12/4/08
"We improved so much individually and as a team," Coach Van Allen said. Junior Mira Patel crossed the line just 17 seconds behind Paulsen to take 41st place in a time of 21.54.94. The remaining five runners - Emma Hiza, Cecilia Furlong, Rachel Hogen, Mary O'Grady and Christina Valerio - all finished within four minutes of Paulsen and Patel, leaving Hopkins with 381 points and placing them just above St. Thomas (Minn.) who ranked 14th with 383 points and Williamette who ranked 15th. Middlebury took the top spot with 179 points for their second title in three years. They were followed by Calvin and Williams who took 2nd and 3rd respectively.
So what have the Lady Jays taken from their achievements this season? "We have a great team with the depth needed to dominate and the spirit necessary to put out a great performance every time," O'Grady said.
"The team really connected well together and we were all focused and willing to work hard to make this season a success," Paulsen said.
"We want to establish ourselves as one of the top teams in the nation," Coach Bobby Van Allen said before the championship race. Their top 15 finish at nationals was the first big leap in this direction and with only two seniors leaving, next year holds the possibility of even greater success. When the time comes, the team will be ready and O'Grady promises "If they ever make us one of those big blue boards around the stadium for Conference Champions, Regional Champions or Nationals Qualifiers, we'll be ready with years to put on them."
So what have the Lady Jays taken from their achievements this season? "We have a great team with the depth needed to dominate and the spirit necessary to put out a great performance every time," O'Grady said.
"The team really connected well together and we were all focused and willing to work hard to make this season a success," Paulsen said.
"We want to establish ourselves as one of the top teams in the nation," Coach Bobby Van Allen said before the championship race. Their top 15 finish at nationals was the first big leap in this direction and with only two seniors leaving, next year holds the possibility of even greater success. When the time comes, the team will be ready and O'Grady promises "If they ever make us one of those big blue boards around the stadium for Conference Champions, Regional Champions or Nationals Qualifiers, we'll be ready with years to put on them."
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