TJ Leverentz/Winonan
The Winona State men’s and women’s cross-country teams began their postseason in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the NSIC Championship meet Saturday, Oct. 26.
Although the women came into the meet unranked for the first time this season, Warrior Jessica Young said the team was looking to have fun and run with smiles on their faces.
Unlike the majority of teams in the field, the Warriors came in well-rested, enjoying a weekend off before the conference finale.
“Last weekend off really helped all of us prepare for the next few weeks ahead,” Young said.
The Warriors scored 84 points and placed third behind 4th ranked Augustana and 15th ranked University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Young, whose time of 21:22 earned her third place honors, led Winona State.
Jordan Skelly followed with a time of 21:58 to claim 11th, and Jordana LaSavage placed 19th with a time of 22:18. Jordan Paschke was the fourth Warrior to crack the top 25 thanks to a time of 22:21.
The Warriors saw a total of seven runners break the top 50, including a 30th place finish from Chelsea Schrubbe. Two freshmen also broke the top 50 for the Warriors; Madeline Martell took 42nd with a time of 23:11 and Amanda Kaiser rounded out the top 50 with 23:28.
The men’s cross-country team started their postseason with a fifth place finish at the NSIC Championship and averaged the eighth lowest average time per runner in school history with an average of 26:33.
Eifert led the group of six Warriors who cracked the top 50. Eifiert’s time of 26:01 earned him 15th place. Shane Carlson was the second Warrior to cross the finish line with a time of 26:14 to earn 21st place.
David Lund crossed the finish line with a time of 26:42 to take home 30th. Sam Westerberg was the 32nd runner to cross the finish line with a time of 26:44. Seth Reel took 44th with a time of 27:03 and Nick Couillard rounded out the top 50 with a time of 27:09.
The Warriors have been led by Brett Ayers, who was promoted to the head-coaching position after last season.
Eifert said Ayers has been a great motivator and has helped him this season.
“I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for this team,” Eifert said.
Eifert has been the first Warrior to cross the finish line in every meet he has raced in this season. The junior also took the individual title at the SMU Alumni Open to begin the season.
“My success this season is attributed to the team and how they are there everyday helping me get in the miles needed to be in the best shape for the season. They make it so easy to go out for a run,” Eifert said.
As the postseason continues, the Warriors will not only face more ranked teams, but they will have to battle cooler temperatures. Eifert said the Warriors will combat the weather by taking more time to warm up.
The Warriors will return to action Nov. 9 for the NCAA Division II Regional Championship in Sioux Falls. They will conclude their season at the NCAA Division II National Championship in Spokane, Wash. on Nov. 23.
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