EVANSTON, Ill. -- The Northwestern Cross Country team's indoor season was capped off with two impressive performances this weekend, even after being struck with illness. The 'Cats split up to participate in two meets -- the Alex Wilson Invitational and the Orange and Blue Open. Six runners competed in the weekend's events, notching a few personal bests and Top-10 finishes in the process.
Final Results:
Alex Wilson Invitational
Orange and Blue Open
In South Bend, Ind. at the Alex Wilson Invitational, Freshmen Sarah Nicholson and Kelly O'Brien had a good showing in the mile, with Nicholson accomplishing a collegiate best -- the fourth best program time in the event -- taking 2nd overall (4:55.35).
O'Brien placed fourth in the event (4:56.38) and was just off her season best. Junior Sara Coffey ran just over 5:00, giving her a personal best in the books. "The race went out a little slow so all three of them had some ground to make up after the first 400," said Assistant Coach Austin Brobst.
Running the 5K race was Senior Haley Albers in her first indoor event in two years. It was also the first time Albers has competed in a 5K, marking this weekend's performance as a personal best (18:46.77).
At the Orange and Blue Open in Champaign, Ill., Sophomores Mary Orders and Ashley Ko ran for Top-10 finishes in the 3k but were just off of their season bests in the event. The duo notched times of 10:57.85 and 11:02.70, respectively.
"As a whole we're pleased with the results from the weekend and the indoor season overall. The results demonstrate that the team is prepared to have a solid outdoor season. Any time you have season bests or personal bests over the weekend it's always a good showing. We'll take about 4 weeks of down time now in preparation for the first outdoor meet in San Francisco/Palo Alto," said the coaching staff.
The Wildcats will kick off their outdoor track season on March 31st at the San Francisco State Distance Carnival. More updates on ways to follow the meet coming soon.
