X-country dominates championships

A season of hard work and supreme effort has finally paid off for Oberlin's cross-country teams. As their season winds down to a close, the Yeorunners are letting loose a raging inferno of attitude that will keep them on their feet throughout Regionals on Nov. 13th.

On Saturday, October 30th, the women's team took third place at the NCAC Championships at Ohio Wesleyan, while the men took seventh.

"The team has improved immensely throughout the season," said first-year Mike Severino.

The Oberlin women came in third behind Denison University and Kenyon College and ahead of Allegheny College. There were nine teams competing.

"Third is the highest the cross-country team has placed since 1983, so that was great, especially since we were seated to place fifth," said Senior Captain Nicki Atkinson.

First-year Lori Tuchfeld took eighth, and Oberlin's highest place, with a time of 20:37.7. Just behind her was first-year Laura Feeney, in ninth place at 20:39.6. Junior Beth Spalding came in with a time of 21:13.5, taking 21st place. All three made All Conference by coming in 21st or under out of 95 runners.

"Lori continued her consistent, excellent running. Laura has been improving tremendously, and she ran a determined and inspired race. Junior Beth Spalding also had an excellent day," said women's coach Roger Laushman.

Taking 32nd and 34th were Senior Captain Becca Grossman and Junior Jenni Huelsman with times of 21:32.8 and 21:38.6, respectively. Rounding out Oberlin's top seven women's runners who will go on to compete in Regionals on Nov.13th, were Senior Captain Medora Lytle and first-year Kyle McKenzie. Lytle took 39th place with a time of 21:54.1. McKenzie ran the 5 km in 22:13.7, scoring 45th.

For many of the teams members, this is the end of the season, however, the team must stay focused on performing well at Regionals as they wind down for the winter.

"The team has been really consistent throughout the season. I think we are learning to work with each other more in races, which is always a good thing," said Huelsman.

"This is the best season this team has seen in a long time, and I think we will look back on it with fond memories," said Atkinson.

The Yeomen runners came away from Saturday's meet with seventh place out of 10 teams, just six points out of reach of sixth place.

"The men's team performance was up two places from the past two years, yet not indicative of what we can do. We just never put together that race where everyone clicked on the same day, and have one more chance to do that next week," said men's Coach Michael Muska.

In taking 15th, John Rogers took the highest place for the Oberlin men. He made All-Conference with his time of 27:59.6. Junior Raymi Dyskant came in 25th with a time of 28:40.2. Sophomore Forrest Crawford and Junior David Bevacqua took 35th and 41st, respectively, with times of 28:54.9 and 29:07.9. The last of Oberlin's top seven performers were sophomore Hans Petersen in 44th place at 29:18.6, first-year Mike Severino in 52nd with 29:40.3, and Senior Captain Colin Fishwick took 68th in 30:46.7.

It's been a roller-coaster all season," said Assistant Coach Gavin O'Neal.

We often have some members missing at every meet, but I'd say that each individual runner has definitely improved his or her performance from the beginning of the season," said Severino.

As the season winds down to a close, the Yeorunners remind themselves that this has definitely been a season full of determination, improvement, and attitude. And, of course, no one can underestimate the power of a good team relationship.

"I was very happy with my performance. With the help of my teammates, especially James Blachly, who pushed me much of the race, I was able to finish the season with a strong performance," said Junior Daniel Schwartz.

"Only our teammates can truly relate to the incredible amount of work these races require. The team is everything!" said first-year Jaimee Ramsden.

Next season will lack the contributions of seniors Medora Lytle, Nicki Atkinson, Becca Grossman, and Colin Fishwick. However, the rest of the team will be able to build on this year's experiences in order to keep the team improving.

"Gavin O'Neal has done a great job on the day to day operation of the men's program, and will be a fine coach in the years ahead, hopefully with us again next year," said Muska.

Don't forget to cheer the Yeorunners on one last time at NCAA Regionals at Ohio Northern on Saturday, Nov. 13.