<ack season now, but as of last issue, the long distance runners were just putting the finishing touches on their cross-country season, preparing to run at the regional competition and working to earn a bid to the national meet. The team placed fifth in the competitive field and just missed a bid to the nationals.
Simone Childs-Walker ’12 placed fifth at the regional meet in a strong race. Alison Smyth ’12 raced well, taking 14th in the meet. Taylor Ffitch ’12 gave a solid performance, taking 30th and earning All-Region honors. Rachael Klehm ’13 had another outstanding race – she will be a force to reckon with this winter – as did Kaitlin Randolph ’12. Milana Socha ’14 and Aly Wisekal ’14 also turned in strong performances for the Knights, gaining valuable regional meet experience in the process.
The Knights just missed qualifying for the national meet. Luther College and Wartburg College placed first and second respectively, securing the Central Region’s automatic bids. Nebraska Wesleyan and cross-town foe St. Olaf earned at-large bids to take the last two spots from the region.
Despite this, Carleton was not without representatives at the national competition. Childs-Walker and Smyth qualified as individuals and managed to fit in their race between their finals.
The two ran well, although the most impressive thing of the weekend was definitely their cheering squad. A number of the runners who did not qualify persevered through an unfortunate flat tire and a chilly night out in a field to support the racers. They looked quite stylish in their spirited overalls.
Cross-country has ended, however, and it’s time for indoor track! The technical people, as well as those who have the elusive fast-twitch muscles, will be back in competition. Names like Kelly Lovett ’11 (javelin), Clare Franco ’12 (sprints), Kyla Walter ’11 (high jump, multis), Megan Erlandson ’12 (pole vault), and Sami Kemper ’14 (triple jump) will soon be joining those of the distance runners in this column.
The track team has its time trial today, tuning up before the first meet next week. The women will be fitting in their events at the Rec Center throughout the afternoon, minimizing impact on the day’s other big event, the Carleton Singular (see men’s story).
-Alison Smyth is a member of the women’s cross country and track teams.