The Eastern Michigan University’s men’s cross country team raced its way to its fourth straight Mid-American Championship title on Nov. 2.
In its 18th appearance, the green and white took a first-place finish in Bowling Green, OH despite the cold and rain. The team had a total of 42 points, followed by the University of Akron and Central Michigan University with 67 and 104 points, respectively.
In a field of 75, the Eagles had nine runners, with six placing in the top 20.
Senior Grzegorz Kalinowski led EMU in the 8,000-meter race with a third place time of 25 minutes 4.43 seconds.
Senior Harry Dixon and junior Warren Witchell finished shortly after with fifth and eighth-place times of 25:10.81 and 25:14.89.
The individual 2013 MAC Championship harrier was Zachary Ahart from the University at Buffalo with a time of 24:47.60.
Junior Daryl Smith, sophomore Willy Fink, and freshman Nick Raymond also finished in the top-20 with times of 25:26.20, 25:38.79 and 25:41.49, respectively for the Eagles.
“I was impressed with every single one of my boys. It was a real solid team effort and I’m just very proud of each and every one of them,” EMU head coach John Goodridge said.
Kalinowski and Dixon were named to the All-MAC First Team for their performance in the meet and Witchell and Fink were named to the All-MAC second team.
Goodridge received his ninth MAC Coach of the Year award. He is now tied with legendary EMU coach Bob Parks for the most conference championship titles won in a career.
“I felt that our guys could handle whatever developed from the standpoint that if it was fast-paced or slower or more tactical, and it seemed to be a bit more of a slower paced race, that when the competitive moves were made, our guys responded extremely well and brought home the trophy,” Goodridge said.
Looking Ahead:
Next up for the Eagles is the National Collegiate Athletic Association Great Lakes Regional Championships that will take place in Madison, Wis. on Nov. 15.
