LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The UIndy women's cross country team claimed its first GLVC title since 1992 on Saturday morning, plowing through the field to win by 41 team points. Head coach Brad Robinson was announced as GLVC Coach of the Year after the ladies' win.
All five UIndy scorers finished inside the top 20, led by
Lauren Bailey's third-place effort.
Mickayla Wenzel (8th) and
Briana Leonard (15th) join Bailey in earning all-conference nods.
"We talked about just needing to run a good race and we would have a shot to win," Robinson said after the meet. "The ladies were patient and finished strong over the last 1k to seal the team title."
Nine Greyhounds on the women's side recorded personal records (PR) on Saturday, including Bailey.
Madison Vauters and
Melissa Spencer earned points for UIndy, placing 18th and 19th, respectively. Freshmen
Kelsey Dugger,
Emma Treibic and
Sarah Burch recorded top-50 finishes.
Robinson continued: "Our depth gave us strength and confidence today. It's amazing what you can achieve when you compete for your team and commit yourself to something bigger than yourself."
The men finished fourth in this year's event, with All-GLVC performers
Chris Switzer and
Taylor Kleyn placing fourth and ninth, respectively. "It's not often you can finish fourth and not win Freshman of the Year," Robinson said of the rookie runner Switzer, who also recorded a new PR in the men's race.
Jacob Woodrow finished just outside all-conference consideration in 18th place, while
Kieffer Vittetow and
Nathan Herbst crossed the finish line in just over 26 minutes.
"The men came out well and raced great, but we came up a little short in the last 2k," Robinson said of the Hounds. "I am incredibly proud of both teams and excited to prepare for regionals in a couple weeks."
Danny Rockley,
Nyc Sigmon, and
Will Reid also finished in the top 45.
MAJOR AWARD WINNERS
Women
GLVC Runner of the Year: Claire McCune, DU
GLVC Freshman of the Year: Taryn Christy, UIS
GLVC Coach of the Year: Brad Robinson, UIndy
Men
GLVC Runner of the Year: Austin Nolan, USI
GLVC Freshman of the Year: Titus Winders, USI
GLVC Coach of the Year: Mike Hillyard, USI