This moring the Aquinas Cross Country team traveled to Shawnee Mission Park for the Carl Owczarzak Fall Classic hosted by Shawnee Mission West.  The races were run by grade and separated by gender.

The day started with the Freshman Girls race led by Mackenzie Lutz in 5th place.  sophomore Betsy Donahue led the sophomores in 8th place.  The junior girls though had the most dominant showing with five finishing in the top 15 and two in the top 5.  They were led by Ashley Washburn who finished with 15:34.  She was way ahead of any other runner. 

1- Ashley Washburn    3- Emily DeLong      6- Amanda Pigott      7- Morgan Commodore   10-Sarah Moore         11- Blakely Swanson      14- Meagan Wilderson

With Laura Roxberg of Blue Valley Nothwest graduated last year, Washburn has a pretty good chance at state this year.  If you have not seen her run it is just facinating.  I am a cross country alum, after a knee injury, but it was really interesting being with her in practice.  She is one of those people who is obviously talented and her finish today showed it.

After that race the senior girls were led by Jenna Belliner who finished 9th.  One of the most poignant things about the team is the unity.  After a race, they cheer for each other.  The team has around 115 runners and they stick around even hours after the race to cheer on friends.  In an individual sport it is cool to see them come together in celebration.

Head coach Justin Wrigley pushed the team hard with Varsity running about 9 miles-a-day.  For the non-varsity the season ends next Thurday at the EKL Championship.  The girls finished 3rd at state and are defending regional champions.  I wish the team the best of luck as they finish out the season!  Run tall!

(Look for pictures early next week) 

Happy Birthday Betsy!