Leafs Improve Two Spots On MCC Championship Finish

November 7, 2009

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- The Goshen College women’s cross country team improved two spots on their 2008 finish at the Mid-Central College Conference Championships as they finished fifth at the 2009 Championships in Fort Wayne on Saturday.

“I was very pleased with the women’s finish,” said head coach Doug Yoder.  “Our times were what we are capable of, but the course was very soft and slow and runners had to deal with those kind of conditions.”

Senior Michelle Miller and led the Maple Leafs with a 18th place time of 20:19 in the 5k course on the campus of IPFW. Goshen finished with 146 points, while Spring Arbor won the women’s event with just 30 points.

“Michelle Miller had an outstanding race, for that matter an outstanding season,”  Yoder added.  “She has really progressed all season and has come on strong at the end of the season.  It is too bad she does not have another season because she would be one of the top runners in the conference in another year.”

Senior Rachael Baker and freshman Mara Weaver and Karla Folker all finished within 11 seconds of each other as they all placed in the top 35.  Baker’s 20:43 was good for 28th, while Weaver finished 32nd (20:51), and Folker placed 33rd (20:54).

“We are losing a lot of seniors that have been with the program for many years,” Yoder concluded.  “It will be difficult to replace that kind of experience and ability.  I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such outstanding athletes.  They have helped establish a program that is competitive and has seen a lot of growth in the four years that they have been here.”

Complete Results
5. Goshen College – 146 points

Individual Results

18. Michelle Miller – 20:19

28. Rachael Baker – 20:43

32. Mara Weaver – 20:51

33. Karla Folker – 20:54

63. Alita Yoder – 22:23

72. Maria Byler – 22:52

76. Tina Peters – 23:07

81. Renee Miller – 23:18

82. Hannah Bartel – 23:22

96. Ellie Maloney – 25:08

108. Clara Sears – 28:03

109. Sarah Rutt – 28:14

111. Renee Graber – 33:43

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 and is filed under News, Women's Cross Country.