Marquette University Athletics
Women's Cross Country Makes Case For NCAA Bid
11/13/2004 12:00:00āÆAM | Cross Country
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 13 -- The Marquette women's cross country team made its case for an at-large bid to the upcoming NCAA Championship meet by turning in a fifth-place finish today at the Great Lakes Regional meet in Ypsilanti, Mich.
"Based on the season we have had and how strong our region is, we have a very good chance of getting an at-large bid," said head coach Dave Uhrich.
The NCAA will announce the field for the NCAA National Championship Meet tomorrow at 6 p.m. CST.
Junior Jodi Jakubek again led Marquette with a 19th place finish and a 6k time of 20:52.9. Freshman Cassie Peller was the team's next finisher taking 31st place (21:09.5).
"We have a lot of depth right now," added Uhrich. "At conference, Cassie didn't run as well and others stepped up, this week Heidi (Lindeman) wasn't feeling well and others stepped up. Overall, we ran really well as a team."
Lindeman has been battling allergies and finished 42nd overall with a time of 21: 21.8. Junior Michaela Courtney took 34th with a time of 21:11.5 and junior Susanna Emond was the next Golden Eagle finisher with a time of 21:17.8 and 40th place.
"Our depth is what helped us to finish in the top five today," said Uhrich. "It helps to have seven solid runners on your team."
On the men's side, the Golden Eagles took 16th overall at the meet and was led by junior Brent Des Roches who took 38th overall with a time of 31:15.4.
"It went as well as could be expected," said Uhrich. "With some of the different injuries, we just lacked the depth and strength we needed (throughout the season). I was hoping we would finish a little stronger, but with the athletes we had, I think we did pretty well."
Junior Jason Crichton was the next finisher, taking 70th with a time of 32:01.7 and sophomore Jeremy Williams took 96th with a time of 32:38.7.
Junior David Henderson (104th, 32:54.0), freshman Joshua Pinter (134th, 33: 49.5), junior Andrew Lelinski (161st, 34:29.3) and junior Tommy Schmitz (173rd, 34:50.7) all competed at today's regional and will be back on the team next year, giving the team plenty of experience.
"That is very encouraging," said Uhrich. "We will get some good recruits, we will get some depth and hopefully avoid injuries. We could be a very good team next year."
The NCAA National Championship Meet is Nov. 22 in Terre Haute, Ind.
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