The 2010 MIAC men’s and women’s cross country championships took place Saturday, Oct. 30. The St. Thomas men’s team placed fourth out of 11 teams with 141 points, and the women’s team placed second out of 11 teams with 89 points.
The 8K championship was hosted by St. Catherine’s University at Como Park Golf Course in St. Paul.
Women’s championship
St. Olaf scored 53 points to beat the women’s team, and St. Olaf junior Maren Westby earned the individual title.
Last year St. Thomas placed third and St. Olaf took fourth place. Carleton, Gustavus and Bethel also placed in the 2010 MIAC championship top five.
St. Thomas had three students place in the top ten, including sophomore Taylor Berg who placed fourth. She took 19th in 2009 and improved her time by 15.5 seconds this year. Senior Allie Metzler placed sixth and freshman Erin Statz placed 10th.
“We struggled a little but in maybe like the top places,” said senior Christine Skopec. “But I think that we started getting some momentum at the end and I think it went pretty well.”
Other St. Thomas scorers included junior Nikki Schminaki, freshman Emily Kindespire and freshman Sarah McNamara.
Men’s championship
Hamline University won the team championship with 31 points, and Hamline junior Devin Monson took the men’s individual title as well. In the 2009 championship, Hamline also took first place and Monson placed sixth.
St. Thomas junior Ben Sathre finished seventh. Sathre was one of two runners this season who has been awarded the MIAC men’s cross country Athlete-of-the-Week award three times.
Sathre was this year’s top returner after finishing third at the 2009 MIAC meet and earning both All-Conference and All-American honors.
Junior Tyler Iverson placed 13th and earned All-MIAC honors. Other St. Thomas scorers include junior Crawford Hubbell, sophomore Brian Farley, senior Seth Rosyold, senior Nick Michalak and freshman William Manaker.
Cross country runners and fans alike seemed to appreciate Saturday’s weather. Frank and Tana Lombardo, sophomore Stu Lombardo’s parents, said they especially enjoy attending events at Como Park Golf Course when it is nice outside. Frank Lombardo also said it was possible that the nice weather and condition of the trail made for a faster run. Berg’s family also credited the weather for a great race.
“We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather,” Skopec said. “Perfect running weather today.”
Kristi Battarbee can be reached at batt3378@stthomas.edu.
The 2010 MIAC men’s and women’s cross country championships took place Saturday, Oct. 30. The St. Thomas men’s team placed fourth out of 11 teams with 141 points, and the women’s team placed second out of 11 teams with 89 points.
The 8K championship was hosted by St. Catherine’s University at Como Park Golf Course in St. Paul.
Women’s championship
St. Olaf scored 53 points to beat the women’s team, and St. Olaf junior Maren Westby earned the individual title.
Last year St. Thomas placed third and St. Olaf took fourth place. Carleton, Gustavus and Bethel also placed in the 2010 MIAC championship top five.
St. Thomas had three students place in the top ten, including sophomore Taylor Berg who placed fourth. She took 19th in 2009 and improved her time by 15.5 seconds this year. Senior Allie Metzler placed sixth and freshman Erin Statz placed 10th.
“We struggled a little but in maybe like the top places,” said senior Christine Skopec. “But I think that we started getting some momentum at the end and I think it went pretty well.”
Other St. Thomas scorers included junior Nikki Schminaki, freshman Emily Kindespire and freshman Sarah McNamara.
Men’s championship
Hamline University won the team championship with 31 points, and Hamline junior Devin Monson took the men’s individual title as well. In the 2009 championship, Hamline also took first place and Monson placed sixth.
St. Thomas junior Ben Sathre finished seventh. Sathre was one of two runners this season who has been awarded the MIAC men’s cross country Athlete-of-the-Week award three times.
Sathre was this year’s top returner after finishing third at the 2009 MIAC meet and earning both All-Conference and All-American honors.
Junior Tyler Iverson placed 13th and earned All-MIAC honors. Other St. Thomas scorers include junior Crawford Hubbell, sophomore Brian Farley, senior Seth Rosyold, senior Nick Michalak and freshman William Manaker.
Cross country runners and fans alike seemed to appreciate Saturday’s weather. Frank and Tana Lombardo, sophomore Stu Lombardo’s parents, said they especially enjoy attending events at Como Park Golf Course when it is nice outside. Frank Lombardo also said it was possible that the nice weather and condition of the trail made for a faster run. Berg’s family also credited the weather for a great race.
“We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather,” Skopec said. “Perfect running weather today.”
Kristi Battarbee can be reached at batt3378@stthomas.edu.
