SFU’s cross-country teams compete hard at West Regional Championship, but do not qualify for nationals.
By Bryan Scott
The season has ended for the Simon Fraser cross-country teams. They were the first non-American team to compete in a post-season competition in the NCAA, when they went to Honolulu, Hawaii last week.
The women’s team performed well at the West Regional Championship, placing sixth in the six-kilometre course, and the men finished in 13th place on the eight-kilometre course.
The women’s team was led by Freshman Peggy Noel who finished 18th, with a time of 22:25.25. Another freshman Kansas Mackenzie finished in a time of 22:31.38 to wrap up 20th spot. Captain Lindsay Butterworth finished in 76thth place after being sick throughout the week. The first place finisher on the women’s side was Susan Tanui from Alaska Anchorage University with a time of 21:18.50.
On the men’s side it was Adam Reid who finished in the highest position for the Clan. He completed the course in 34:07.56 to earn 42nd spot. Travis Vugeveen and Timo Hoberg were close together finishing 69th and 72nd respectively. Micah Chelimo from Alaska Anchorage earned top spot on the men’s side. Chico State University took home both the men’s and the women’s team competitions.
Only the top five teams make in on to the NCAA championship, so it is an unfortunate finish for the Clan but they were strong throughout the season and will look to improve for next year.
