David Sheets reporter
The Pitt State men’s and women’s cross-country teams traveled almost 600 miles southeast to compete in the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers Invitational, where both teams would finish in a top 3 placement with the women’s team finishing first overall. The number 16 ranked women’s team would claim the 6,000-meter race title with a low score of 62, beating 2nd place Chico State by five points.
“It was a really solid team performance from both the men and the women, especially the women bringing home the victory,” head coach, Ben Barrows said. “I thought it was possible that the women could win but not very likely knowing Chico State is a very strong program, but our women packed it up really well and came out on top.”
Redshirt senior, Kate Strader, was one of two Gorillas to be named MIAA Athlete of the week as she would pace the Gorillas, placing 4th with a time of 21 minutes, 3.4 seconds, this being her third straight race leading her team.
“Honestly, I couldn’t have those accolades without my coach and my teammates pushing me. It’s an honor, but it’s not just what I’m doing. There’s been people that have helped me along the way to get me to where I’m at,” Strader said.
Along with Strader, redshirt senior Marissa Dick would place 10th with a time of 21 minutes, 19 seconds, sophomore Paige Mullen would place 17th with a time of 21 minutes, 32.8 seconds, and redshirt senior Claire Bruening would place 20th with a score of 21 minutes, 34.9 seconds.
In the men’s 8,000-meter race, Pitt State would place third with a low score of 116, finishing behind Alabama Huntsville with a score of 92 and Chico State with a score of 45. Grad student Matthew Oglesby would pace the Gorillas as he finished 6th with a time of 23 minutes, 58.5 seconds, as he would join Kate Strader as being named MIAA Athlete of the Week.
“Cross country is a big team sport, and it feels good to be a part of such a great program and help lead it to success. Getting those accolades is always fun and I’m honored to have been the athlete of the week, so hopefully we can keep that ball rolling,” Oglesby said. This was the first race of the season for Oglesby, as he has been sidelined for the majority of the season recovering from a stress reaction in his left tibia.
“I didn’t know what to expect with that race, but when you’re racing cross country, it’s about trusting your training and being calm and confident. As I was preparing for it, I just really had to trust what I’ve been doing, eat the right stuff, hydrate, and just get ready mentally for the race,” Oglesby said.
Redshirt sophomore, Dylan Sprecker, would follow close behind Oglesby as he placed 7th with a time of 23 minutes, 59.2 seconds, and grad student Mason Strader would place 30th with a time of 24 minutes, 38.3 seconds.