The Kent State cross country team traveled to South Bend, Ind., to compete in the Joe Piane Invite Friday.
The men’s team participated in the gold division 8k while the women’s team ran in the gold division 5k.
Freshman Michael Hanselman was KSU’s best runner of the day.
“He never gave up, pushed, and competed the entire race,” coach Laura Rybka said. “He managed to run very well.”
Hanselman finished as the fifth freshman runner in the men’s 8k, and placed 26th overall with a time of 25:00. Outside of him, no other member of the men’s team finished in the top 75.
“I think that the men did well at staying more mentally engaged. The 8k is long and there is a lot of time to zone out and cruise,” Rybka said. “Also, they got out more aggressively as well which has been something we have been working on.”
Graduate student Carter Almady finished in under 26 minutes and placed 79th in 25:53.7.
“Carter Almady had the best race that I have ever seen him run,” Rybka said. “He passed 61 people from the 1 mile to the finish, never relented.”
The Flashes had four runners with times under 19 minutes in the women’s 5k.
“I think the women had a solid day across the board, and I am proud of the steps they are taking to grow and learn,” Rybka said. “I also really loved how everyone fought through the line, which is something we were really working on, competing and staying engaged.”
Junior Ella McCollom recorded a time of 18:29.0 to lead the way for the women’s team. She finished in 32nd place.
Sophomore Nora Salem recorded a time of 18:42.8 and graduate student Grace Smith finished right behind her with a time of 18:43.1. They finished back-to-back in 60th and 61st place.
“Grace Smith and Nora Salem had incredible teamwork, and really didn’t let off the gas much,” Rybka said.
Sophomore Emerson Greene completed the course in 18:59.9 for 80th place.
“Emerson Greene fought the whole time and made a big improvement from last week,” Rybka said. “Emerson was very composed too, which you need in a higher pressure situation.”
The women’s team finished in 14th place out of 22 universities with a team time of 1:34:31.20. The men’s team finished in 20th place out of 21 universities with a team time of 2:11:17.10.
KSU will finish regular season competition on Friday, Oct. 17 at the Falcon Invitational at Bowling Green.
“Training the mental side, and sharpening fitness will be our main focus for next week,” Rybka said. “In cross country, you can have the raw skills and physical ability, but the mental fortitude and endurance is just as important.”
Emily Lowen is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected]