Yeorunners deliver goods at Regionals

The NCAA Regionals at Ohio Northern last Saturday marked the end of the 1999 cross-country season. Both the men's and women's teams ended seasons for which they can be proud. The men's team took 16th out of 29 teams, while the women's scored 12th out of 29.

"Both teams did really well at Regionals," said junior Jenni Huelsman. "It was a beautiful day and we all ran strong."

Junior John Rogers led the Yeomen. He was named to the All-Region team, placing 26th overall with a time of 25:36.

"John Rogers ran an especially gutsy race, averaging 5:07 per mile for five miles," said sophomore Hans Petersen.

Junior David Bevacqua came in 46th out of 203 runners in 26:09. Taking 74th, 124th and 139th were junior Raymi Dyskant with a time of 26:44, sophomore Forrest Crawford in 27:32, and Michael Serring with 27:49, respectively. Rounding out the seven Yeorunners who attended were senior captain Colin Fishwick in 148th place with a time of 28:03 and Petersen in 174th with 28:51. The Yeomen wound up their season with a satisfying performance and will look to next season to continue improving upon what they've done this year.

Their achievements this season can be attributed to their hard work in building upon their abilities from last season, and they will keep the goal of improvement in mind in the years to come.

"This year was pretty different from last year, but it was just as fun. We lost a bunch of really cool people from last year's team, but we also got a lot of really cool rookies this year," said Petersen.

The end of the season also means saying goodbye to Fishwick who will graduate this spring.

"He was selected captain by the team and brought veteran experience," said Head Coach Michael Muska.

"We've had a great group of people," said Assistant Coach Gavin O'Neal.

The Yeowomen took 12th at Regionals with Lori Tuchfeld taking the top place for Oberlin. She earned All-Region honors with a time of 19:12, placing 30th in a field of 212.

"Having the team perform so well was incredible. We went there knowing that we could run well and compete with all of the teams there," said senior co-captain Medora Lytle. "We had a strategy that we stuck to and it all worked out just as we had hoped."

First-year Laura Feeney took 65th place with a time of 19:45 while Huelsman took 75th in 19:53. Junior Beth Spalding got 84th with 19:56. Rounding out the list of runners were senior co-captains Rebecca Grossman and Lytle coming in 110th and 111th with matching times of 20:15. First-year Kyle McKenzie came in 121st with a time of 20:27.

"We really had a great group of people that came together as a team, which is so important in a sport where all you do is run with each other day in and day out," said senior co-captain Nicki Atkinson.

Just as the men's team draws from experience in looking to improve, the women's team will use this season as a solid foundation for setting next year's goals. Most women will be returning to the team but seniors Lytle, Grossman, and Atkinson will have to bid farewell to running races with the Yeowomen.

"I'm so glad I was able to spend four years on the cross country team and meet amazing friends who share my love for running. The strength of the first-year class is exciting for the future of the team and I'm excited to come back as an alum and cheer them on next year," said Grossman.

"The captains this year have been wonderful. They are not only supportive, but they demonstrate a real love for the sport. They have taught me a lot about pushing myself," said first-year Molly Ptacek.

While both teams say goodbye to their seniors, they also look to the future, waiting to see what new runners next season will bring.

"We are always looking for women who enjoy running and can have a good experience," said women's Head Coach Roger Laushman. Tom Mulligan - who moved up to Assistant Athletic Director after coaching cross-country last season - is now in charge of cross-country recruiting.

"Tom works really hard on the recruiting efforts and many recruits have visited campus already," said Laushman.

This season has proven that the Yeorunners will always come racing back for more, and they will continue to maintain their individual attitudes until next season when they can compete again. Until then, Huelsman leaves us with a parting sentiment that proves that they will always be dedicated to their sport and their teammates: "I'm really proud of us, OCXC!"