ANN ARBOR, Michigan – Rachel McCardell and newcomer Ari Marks both turned in Top-10 finishes and the Wildcats were one of just two teams to put all five scoring runners inside the Top-25 at the rugged Big Ten Preview on Friday morning in Ann Arbor.
RESULTS – 2022 Big Ten Preview
On a sunny day where the morning temperatures hovered in the high-60's, the Wildcats competed against Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State and Rutgers in the annual event which gives Big Ten teams a look at the course that will host the Conference Championships in late October. The race also was Northwestern's only opportunity of the fall season to run nearly its entire roster.
McCardell (8th; 21:23.7) was the first 'Cats runner to cross the finish line of the 6K course with Marks, the reigning NCAA Division 3 champion making her NU debut after transferring from Wellesley College, just three seconds behind in 10th place. Northwestern, which entered the week ranked #4 in the Region, finished above both teams from the Midwest including reigning Big Ten champions Minnesota.
"I really think today's race showed the impressive depth of our roster this year," said head coach Jill Miller. "We know we can count on Rachel and Ari being in the lead pack of almost any field, but Katherine Hessler ran a very smart race, while Skye Ellis and Ava Earl really stepped up for us. I'm proud of the toughness the team exhibited today and that type of competition within our roster will really help us as we move through the fall season."
The Wildcats will have several weeks to focus on training before returning to competition just down Sheridan Road at the Loyola Lakefront Invitational on Friday, September 30.
RESULTS – 2022 Big Ten Preview
On a sunny day where the morning temperatures hovered in the high-60's, the Wildcats competed against Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State and Rutgers in the annual event which gives Big Ten teams a look at the course that will host the Conference Championships in late October. The race also was Northwestern's only opportunity of the fall season to run nearly its entire roster.
McCardell (8th; 21:23.7) was the first 'Cats runner to cross the finish line of the 6K course with Marks, the reigning NCAA Division 3 champion making her NU debut after transferring from Wellesley College, just three seconds behind in 10th place. Northwestern, which entered the week ranked #4 in the Region, finished above both teams from the Midwest including reigning Big Ten champions Minnesota.
"I really think today's race showed the impressive depth of our roster this year," said head coach Jill Miller. "We know we can count on Rachel and Ari being in the lead pack of almost any field, but Katherine Hessler ran a very smart race, while Skye Ellis and Ava Earl really stepped up for us. I'm proud of the toughness the team exhibited today and that type of competition within our roster will really help us as we move through the fall season."
The Wildcats will have several weeks to focus on training before returning to competition just down Sheridan Road at the Loyola Lakefront Invitational on Friday, September 30.