Bringing home a victory for Hillsdale, the women’s cross country team took second place at the G-MAC Championship 6k race in Findlay, Ohio, on Nov. 5. 

“I think everyone was very focused on the task at hand and everyone ran probably the best they’ve ever run at the conference race,” junior Meg Scheske said. “It felt like everyone went in with a ‘get it done’ mentality.”

Coach R.P. White used a baseball analogy to explain the team’s performance.

“It was a really solid weekend,” White said. “We didn’t hit a grand slam but we didn’t strike out.”

Sophomore Liz Wamsley scored first for Hillsdale, taking second place overall with a time of 21:27.9. 

“I think on an individual level and a team level, my teammates and I accomplished what we set out to do,” Wamsley said. “I think because of the constant wind, it was just a huge mental battle the whole time.”

Scheske finished second for Hillsdale and 6th overall with a time of 21:47. Junior Gwynne Riley followed close behind, finishing third for Hillsdale and 8th overall with a time of 21:51. 

“Overall, I was happy with my performance,” Riley said. “My goal was to get in the top ten, so I worked to stay in the top pack throughout the race.”

Junior Natalie Martinson had a successful race as well, finishing 4th for Hillsdale and 25th overall with a time of 23:07. 

“Natalie Martinson ran a really strong race,” White said. “She’s made a lot of strides so far this fall.”

The course itself was very flat, which multiple women said caused them to think they would likely get fast times. On the day of the race, however, extreme winds presented an unexpected challenge.

“The winds were awful on the day of the race, about 20-30 mph, so we had spots on the course with the winds at our back, and other spots where the wind was hitting us with its full force,” Riley said. “The wind was a huge factor, but I don’t think any of the girls let that get to them. We still had a job to do — ruin people’s day — and the girls pushed to get it done.”

Scheske said looking back on the race, she wishes she would have thought more about positioning herself behind nearby runners to avoid the winds’ effects.

“I wish I had stayed on someone and let them take the wind for me during the back segment of the race,” Scheske said.

 According to Riley, the wind was strongest during the later portion of the race.

“The last 400m of the race began once you hit a turn, and after this, the wind hit you relentlessly,” Riley said. “I remember feeling exhausted at this point, so it’s at times like this where you question what you’re willing to give for your teammates.”

With the Championship race under their belts, the women will continue their season at the NCAA DII Midwest Regional race in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Nov. 19.

“The big bulk of the work has been done and now it’s maintenance mode,” White said. “We’re on an upper trajectory.”