The main goal for the start of the cross country season was for all three runners to qualify for the national championships. They did just that at the NJCAA Region IV Championship at the Wayne E. Dannehl Cross Country Course in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
It was no easy feat, but the Cyclones were successfully able to conquer the hilly course. Natalia Wrobel eyed a region Runner of the Year to go with her honor in the Skyway Conference, but her foe from College of Lake County, whom she has traded top finishes with all season, bested her. Wrobel crossed the line in 2nd place out of 24 runners in 21:09.
Olivia Wrobel was staving off injury and able to take 6th place in 22:39. Jasmeene Guido was ranked 19th heading into this race and needed to step up to get one of the coveted top 15 spots to qualify. About halfway through the race, she was in 17th. At that point, the runners went into the woods and couldn't be seen until they came out for the final straightaway. Guido made some moves to pass people and finished in 13th in 25:04.
"Once again, the women continue to make me proud. Natalia went into the race as one of the favorites. Although she didn't win it, she ran well. After last week's conference meet, Olivia continued to cross train but knew she was capable of earning an All-Region spot, and she did just that," said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas. "Jasmeene had an uphill battle to fight, but she worked hard and did it."
Natalia Wrobel and Guido earned their second consecutive All-Region honors while this was the first for Olivia. The Cyclones have a few weeks to prepare for the NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida on Saturday, Nov. 12. They will join four members from the men's cross country team who also qualified.
Complete results can be found here.