By Brendon Paucek, UWEC Sports Information
WHITEWATER, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – For the first time since 2012, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's cross country team are WIAC Champions. The Blugolds had an outstanding race this past Saturday at UW-Whitewater, winning the conference meet with 33 points; UW-La Crosse finished second with 59 points.
Leading the Blugolds was Sam Slattery (So. – Waunakee, WI/Waunakee). Slattery battled at the front of the field for the entire race and finished in 2nd place. She completed the 6,000m course in 22:12.
Also in the lead pack were veterans Callie Fischer (Oneida, WI/Ashwaubenon), Melody Becker (Sr. – Osseo, WI/Homeschooled), and Morgan Marek (Jr. Muskego, WI/Muskego). They finished 6th (22.31), 7th (22:36), and 8th (22:36), respectively.
"They really wanted to get up in the front group and try not to do too much work—just stay connected. And that's exactly how they ran," said Coach Dan Schwamberger.
Running a break-out race was freshmen Lizzy Cisewski (Fr. – Stevens Point, WI/Pacelli), who ran a strong final third of the race to finish 10th (22:40) and complete the Blugold's scoring top 5. Schwamberger said he was extremely impressed but not too surprised, knowing it was only a matter of time before she reached her potential this season.
Not only were the top 5 Blugolds in the top 10 overall, but they each earned All-Conference honors.
Just like the men's team, the women also proved their depth; their top 10 runners finished in the top 25 overall.
"It was a really good team effort by the whole group—I'm just happy for them. It tells them that their goals for Nationals are realistic."
With only a few weeks left in the season, the Blugolds seem ready to carry their momentum through championship season. The top eight runners will rest for the NCAA Midwest Regional meet on November 11; however, the rest of the team will travel to Luther College this Friday, November 3 to compete in the Saga Cup Cross Country Challenge.
