The Women's Cross Country team competed at their first CAC championships on Saturday November 2nd. It was a bright sunny morning, unlike the cold Pennsylvania weather that the ladies are used to training in. The ladies Lions were facing up against very strong opposition in Saturday's Conference Meet.
Both the Men's and Women's teams sported a pink ribbon in honor of breast cancer awareness and for the support of Penn State Harrisburg Nicolas Sturm mother , Rayetta Sturm.
Freshman Rachel Sechrist led the lady lions, running her best race of the season. She broke her personal record by running with the time of 27:36. She placed 71st in the race and scored 49 points for her team. Although this was her first year, Rachel has led the team in many races. This was a successful season for her and she looks forward to many more to come.
Alisha House was second among the lady lions, running just 30 seconds behind her fellow teammate. She earned the 76th spot in the race and scored 51 points for her team by running the time of 28:34. Alisha is among our graduating seniors this year. She has been an integral part of Lions growth in the past few years.
Amy McMullen had a great race running a time of 32:47. She earned the 57th scoring slot and placed 85th on the overall race. Amy is also among one of our graduating seniors, her fiery passion will be greatly missed next year.
Katryna Stegmeier, Yamin Lin, and Madison Sirb ran as a group, earning 86th, 87th, and 88th places in the overall race. They crossed the finish line neck and neck with each other. Katryna ran a time of 33:14, Yamin was a second behind her with the time of 33:15, and Madison right behind her running a 33:16. Katryna Stegmier and Madison Sirb are also senior members of the squad.
Oneisha Gaines-Rodgers finished off the race for the ladies with the time of 34:15. This was a great outcome for her personally and secured her the 89th spot of the race and scored 61 points for the team.
Caroline Delany, of York College, was the first place finisher on the women's race, and helped her team come in second place in the CAC. York College fell just short to Christopher Newport, who took home the championship. Penn State Harrisburg finished in 9th. The program now knows what it will take to compete in the CAC and the work required to be successful in future seasons.
Harrisburg will have a few runners that get one more race in November 16th at the NCAA regionals.
Story by Jordan Fuhrman and Edgar Makimoto
Pictures by Cathi Fuhrman
