Storm Runners Participate in NCAA Regional Action in Iowa
Grinnell, Iowa - Near perfect running weather greeted the Crown cross country team on Saturday, November 14 at the NCAA Regional Meet held in Grinnell, Iowa. In the playoff format meet; the top two teams and seven individuals move onto the NCAA national meet. Though the Storm didn’t have any runners advance; most set all time personal records.
Summer Pfaff was the top Storm women placing 146th in a time of 26:09 over the 6K course. Following Pfaff was Hannah Dean in 166th (27:42), Kelsey Morrow was 169th (28:34), Cherie Hecimovich finished in 171st (29:03), Natalie Merboth was 172nd (29:04), Erika Stampf came in 173rd (29:28), and Rebecca McBride was 180th (34:04).
“This was all the top NCAA Division III teams in the region,” said coach Rick Peterson. “Competitively, we have a ways to go as a team; however our effort was terrific and the ladies each ran their best race of the season. We talked about finishing the season strong and united. Our team momentum is clearly moving forward.”
The Crown men also had their best race. Freshman Vince Elmhorst recorded his fastest time ever in 29:28 over the 8K course. Following Elmhorst was another freshman; Simon Kulzer placed 167th in 31:23. The third Storm runner was Junior Kyle Pitts with a 169th place finish in 32:40.
“Our team came prepared to race today,” said Peterson. “They were focused, united, and prepared to give their best. The challenge to be competitive at the NCAA Division III level is great; but the core of this team is strong in commitment, discipline, and faith. You have to admire that they gave their very best effort today.”
