MADISON, Wis. – The Cleveland State cross country team wrapped up the 2015 season this afternoon, running at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional.
"Overall I thought they ran well today, I told them to challenge themselves and just run their own race since there wasn't any pressure for today's results. We are always hoping and working for better results, but I am so proud of what this team has done this season," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "All throughout the season they have given everything they could during practice and during competition, and I am so proud of all that we have accomplished. At the start of the season it feels like it is so long, but then next thing you know it is over before you know it, and we all have a lot to be proud of."
The Vikings were paced by the duo of Ashlyn Woods and Samantha Butterbaugh – both posting top-two CSU finishes for the eighth time this season. Woods crossed the finish line with a 6K time of 23:08 – a time that ranks seventh on the all-time top performances list at CSU. Woods also notched a top-50 5K split, crossing the marker in a time of 19:26. Butterbaugh finished with a 6K time of 24:20 – also a top-50 time on the all-time top performances list.
Next to finish for the Vikings was Ashley Lydic, who crossed the finish line in 25:58. Emily Marshall and Sarah Mallow quickly followed, Marshall with a time of 26:23 and Mallow with a time of 27:00.
The final two Vikings competing at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional were Megan O'Keefe and Kristin McCarthy, O'Keefe finishing in 27:05 and McCarthy crossing the line in 28:31.
"Of course the seniors are sad that the year is over, but they have worked extremely hard throughout their careers at Cleveland State and have a lot of memories to keep. Throughout the entire season the whole team really stuck together and supported each other during every practice and every race, and I am proud to have all of them as part of the cross country program," Jaketic said.
NCAA Great Lakes Regional Results
127. Ashlyn Woods, 23:08
183. Samantha Butterbaugh, 24:20
204. Ashley Lydic, 25:58
209. Emily Marshall, 26:23
211. Sarah Mallow, 27:00
213. Megan O'Keefe, 27:05
215. Kristin McCarthy, 28:31
