Michigan State University
NCAA Championships
Women's Cross Country Places 23rd at NCAA Championships
11/22/2010 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Nov. 22, 2010
Women's Results: Individual | Team
Men's Results: Individual | Team
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Michigan State women's cross country team concluded its 2010 season when it placed 23rd with a score of 481 at the 2010 NCAA Cross Country Championships. This marked the team's 10th consecutive championship appearance, and 12th straight with at least one individual runner. Individually, senior Emily MacLeod once again paced the Spartans with an All-American time of 20:48.1 to place 37th overall.
"For the first time this fall we ran a tentative race," said MSU director of cross country and track & field Walt Drenth. "We abandoned what our greatest asset has been, the lack of fear. The race went out very much like we thought, slow, because of a big head wind at the start. We needed to be engaged much closer to the front. The result was a catch-up attempt we were not capable of completing. In the end, it was a disappointing finish for the team, but I am sure we will learn the lessons from this necessary to return to the national final next year much improved, with the mindset of a team that will be much better."
With her top-40 placing, MacLeod earns USTFCCCA All-America honors for the first time in her cross country career, and second overall. She is just the 16th All-American in program history, and 14th different individual.
"Emily did a great job of recovering from an average start to earn All-America honors to cap a brilliant fall," said Drenth.
Crossing as the second Spartan was junior Carlie Green in 104th place. Green turned in an individual time of 21:21.7, just 10 seconds ahead of fellow junior Rebekah Smeltzer in 122nd (21:31.7).
Sophomore Kristen Smith crossed in her second NCAA Championships race in 21:47.4, finishing 157th overall.
In just her first NCAA appearance, freshman Julia Otwell crossed in 22:14.7 to place 199th as the fifth Spartan finisher.
Also running in her first NCAA Championships race was junior Tiffany Evans. Evans placed 226th when she crossed with a time of 22:45.5.
Placing 236th was sophomore Katie Haines who turned in a time of 22:58.7.
"The women have had an excellent season improving from fifth in both the region and Big Ten last fall to win both during this campaign," said Drenth. "I am sure we will improve immensely between now and next year at this time. Coach Senakiewich, Coach McGreevy and I are confident that the progress we have seen in one short year is merely the beginning for those who are returning."
Taking home top honors was Sheila Reid of Villanova with her time of 20:06.9. Reid led Villanova to the NCAA title when it turned in a score of 120 points. Florida State was second (154) while Texas Tech was third (165).
For the men, senior Patrick Grosskopf was the lone representative for MSU. This marked his second consecutive appearance at the NCAA Championships. Grosskopf placed 206th with a 10k time of 32:18.1.
"Our plan was to take a chance and run into the front group in an attempt to be an All-American," said Drenth. "He ran pretty well through 5000m, but was unable to sustain his pace. Pat has been an integral part of the success we have had over the past few years. Pat is a great example of what a diligent work ethic and high goals can accomplish. I am sure he will have a very good track season, but Pat has been a big part of our distance program which is better because of his presence at MSU."
Finishing first in the men's race was Samuel Chelanga of Liberty with his time of 29:22.2.
Oklahoma State took home team honors with its score of 73 points. Florida State placed second with 193 points while Wisconsin was third with 223.
Chelanga, Oklahoma State and Villanova all repeat as defending NCAA Champions.
Players Mentioned
