By Alanna Huggett, UWEC Sports Information
Louisville, KY (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire women's cross country team finished a successful season at the NCAA Division III National Cross Country meet at Tom Sawyer State Park. The women finished 17th scoring 434 points. Johns Hopkins University won the title, scoring 125 points.
Women's Results | Men's Results | Women's Photos | Men's Photos
The individual qualifier from the men's team, Connor Dolan (Jr – Nekoosa, WI/Assumption) placed 39th out of 279 runners. Dolan ran a time of 24:56.7 earning NCAA Division III Cross Country All-American honors by placing in the top 40.
Dolan said it was fun to race at the national meet against strong competition. He also said it was great to have the support of his teammates during the race.
Dolan said, "I think my race went really well. I came in wanting to do better than last year and show that I could compete. Throughout the race I had all my teammates advice in my head telling me to be strong."
Head Coach Dan Schwamberger said Dolan ran a strong race at the national meet.
Lexie Tremble (Sr. – Muskego, WI) led the team for the Blugold women. Tremble placed 35th with a time of 22:09.4. Tremble earned NCAA Division III Cross Country All-American honors.
Tremble was happy she achieved her season goal of becoming an All-American despite hoping to place higher overall and break 22 minutes. Going into the final race of her collegiate career as a Blugold, Tremble said she felt emotional.
Tremble said, "This team has become my family and I have truly fallen in love with the sport of running through my four years (at UW-Eau Claire). It's gone by fast and I don't want to leave this team. I'm thankful I was able to be a part of something so special. I'll hold each memory I've made with this team so close to my heart."
Emma Drangstveit (Jr. – Lakeville, MN/Lakeville North) placed 82nd with a time of 22:45.1. Naomi Long (So. – Medina, MN/Wayzata) crossed the line in 109th place running a time of 22:57.6.
Hannah Lamack (Jr. – Kewaunee, WI) and Teagan Monfils (Jr. – Shawano, WI) rounded out the top 5 for the Blugolds. Lamack finished 190th with a time of 23:26.9. Monfils placed 192nd with a time of 23:27.4.
Ashley Kachurik (Fr. – Wadsworth, IL/Warren Township) crossed the line in 204th place and ran a time of 23:38.7. Lizzy Cisewski (Jr. – Stevens Point, WI/Pacelli High School) finished 232nd with a time of 23:58.6.
Tremble said she was proud of how the team raced despite the team's goal to place higher at the meet.
Tremble said, "Everyone but me is coming back next season so it was a good experience for the other girls to get in order to come back stronger next year."
Head Coach Dan Schwamberger said it was a fun and successful season for the team and he is proud of what they have accomplished.
Schwamberger said, "Today was a strong performance for Connor and Lexie both earning All-American honors and having nice improvements compared to one year ago at Nationals."
The Blugolds will now begin active rest before starting their training for the indoor track and field season.
