By Aimable Rutayisire, Sports Editor
The Jets Cross Country team has been bonding together well this year, said head coach Amber McVicar. In fact, she said, the athletes’ cohesion during meets has become the team’s greatest strength.
“One of the biggest things that’s really come together is our sense of unity at meets,” McVicar said. “We warm up together, stay at the finish line until everyone is done, and cool down as a group. That bond has really carried us.”
The men’s team has seen improvements with the addition of junior Timothy Kiprotich, McVicar said. He’s a transfer from El Paso, originally from Kenya, whose performances have “elevated the men’s side immensely,” she said.
On the women’s side, junior Nayelly Rosales has emerged as a standout, McVicar said. Rosales competed in all seven races this season and was the top finisher for the Jets in two races. Rosales also recorded a time of 21:05 in the women’s 5K at the JK Gold Classic in September at Wichita State University, where she finished in 57th place.
Junior Anna Lobmeyer has also shown improvements and has been achieving new personal bests since returning from injury.
Despite the team’s progression, roster depth remains a concern, McVicar said. Several seniors are set to graduate this year.
“Injuries are always imminent,” she said. “We’re focused on alleviating the pressure to compete when injured.”
Team culture is a cornerstone of the program.
“When we step onto the track, we know it’s time to work,” McVicar said. “But we also make space for fun and laughter. We have had lots of funny moments.”
Junior Jake Beauchamp said that the team’s trials bring its members closer together.
“We are all suffering together, so we can all have fun together,” Beauchamp said.
Athletes credit their improved performance to enhanced strength training under a new interim head athletic performance coach, David Akao and a more focused approach to race preparation.
“Training feels more geared toward championship meets,” Beauchamp said. “We’re building strength and confidence every week.”
The Jets hope to improve upon last year’s performance in the MIAA, one of Division II’s most competitive conferences. The men’s team placed 24th overall, and the women’s team finished 27th overall.
On Oct. 11, the Jets will participate in the University of the Ozarks Invitational in Clarksville, Arkansas.
Next, they will compete in the MIAA conference meet on Oct. 25 and at regionals on Nov. 8.
PHOTO: Matthew Fowler, Managing Editor
