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Ole women run to fifth place in Pre-National meet

Beth Heinert
October 14, 2002

Racing on a day with less than ideal course conditions, the St. Olaf women's cross country team showed their toughness and strength. Following a week of heavy rain, the water soaked course provided soft conditions, causing some runners to lose shoes in the sloppy and muddy course. Attacking the water and mud puddles as if they were grass, the pack of runners from St. Olaf finished fifth at the Pre-National Invitational meet held at St. Olaf. This meet was hosted to showcase our championship course for the teams who will compete at the NCAA Division III Nationals that we will host November 23, 2002.

Teams from all across the United States were present, including nine ranked women's teams and 400 women competing. The Oles were the first MIAC school to cross the finish line and the second regional school to cross the finish. University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse won the race, with Ithaca, Wartburg, and College of New Jersey finishing ahead of St. Olaf.

St. Olaf was lead by Megan Daymont (Sr., Northfield, Minn.) who finished third out of 387 runners. Teammate Kari Koos (FY, Leavenworth, Wash.) was also in the top 25 with her 24th place finish. The pack of Kezia Manlove (FY, Rapid City, SD), Marit Grorud (Jr., Fremont, Nebr.) and Meredith Fahrner (So., Urbana, Ill.) finished 41st, 42nd, and 46th, respectively. Rounding out the top seven for the Oles were Brenna Bray (FY, Stillwater, Minn.) and Rachel Pederson (Sr., Sioux Falls, SD) who finished 59th and 65th.

The other Oles all entered the race ignoring the elements and focusing on performing their best on their home course. Many of the Oles were pleased with their times and effort, especially considering the condition of the course.

The Oles will take this week off, and will be back in competition on October 25th at the Gustavus 4K Invitational beginning at 4:30 p.m. Look for the Oles to continue to focus while they prepare for the MIAC Conference meet, and the opportunity to return to their home course again for the national meet.

Contact Le Ann Finger at 507-786-3315 or finger@stolaf.edu.