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Pomeroys Compete in the Otterbein Cross Country Invitational

News | 09.27.2010

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Cross Country team traveled to Westerville, Ohio this weekend to compete in the Otterbein Cross Country Invitational.  The weather was perfect and the team was focused as the meet time approached.  This year the field was quite larger with 19 NCAA DIII schools competing.  SMWC was ranked 12th before the start of the race, finishing in 9th place. Not only were we looking to come in better than 12th place, we were also hoping to beat our local rival Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

The Pomeroys put themselves in a great position at the start.  Otterbein’s course is difficult with tight turns, narrow paths, and a few good size hills.  Positioning is important with any race, but with the challenges this course has it was crucial.  SMWC came through the mid point of the race looking more focused, strong, and ready for the second half of hills.  At the second mile Stephanie Runyon, Logan Fry, Leiona Noah, Kat Williams, and CJ Barnett ran far ahead of Rose-Hulman’s five runners, and continued to run strong. 100 meters remaining, the Pomeroys made a sharp turn right after a quick down hill and head into the finish.  Lyndsi Woolems,  Kimmy Lane, Danika Espinoza, Lauren Sutton, Caitlyn, Tinsley, and Sam Gavin showed great heart and toughness as they passed several runners to cross the finish.

Stephanie Runyon earned her position on the awards stand with an individual overall placement in the top 10.  The determination of all the SMWC Cross Country team brought 10 season and personal best times: Stephanie Runyon (19:15), Logan Fry (20:05), Leiona Noah (20:51), Kat Williams (21:00), Caitlin Tinsley (21:06), Lyndsi Woolems (22:00), Kimmy Lane (22:14), Dannika Espinoza (22:15), and Sam Gavin (24:56).  Every individual matters when it comes to our team placement, and to finish in 9th place out of 19 is tremendous with such a young team.  This week the preparation continues as the team prepares for the Greater Louisville Classic at Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville, Kentucky on October 2, 2010.