Posted: Oct 14, 2022
The Skippers men and women had impressive performances this weekend at the Bradley Pink Classic, hosted by Bradley University in Peoria, IL.
The ladies started the day by racing a 6k against top level collegiate schools. The Skippers ladies placed 18th amongst 22 teams, placing ahead of McKendree University, Monmouth College, Rockford University and Chicago State University. Each member of the team debuted in the 6k, boasting many top times ever run by a Skipper. Beth Baldwin (26:51.4), Elizabeth Sliman (26:59.3), Gina Collins (27:16.6), Abby Baczewski (27:18.4) and Mary Kaminski (27:21.9) completed the top 5 runners scoring for the team. Olivia Crawford (27:42.4) and Kayla McIntyre (28:01.1) rounded out the top 7. While Audrey Hartman (28:22.0) and Allison Tomczak (28:43.1) finished close behind.
The gun fired for the men's race shortly after the completion of the women's race. The Skippers men placed 10th amongst 18 teams, placing ahead of Moraine Valley CC, Clark University, Chicago State University, Webster University, McKendree University, Monmouth College, Harper College and Rockford University. Amazing performances were had by all team members, resulting in 5 personal records and one season best. Travis Katz (26:37.3) and Ethan McCombs (26:48.7) we're the top two runners for the team and both broke the school record previously held by Drew Mayes (26:54.9). Lucas Danko (27:31.4), Brandon Zielke (27:31.6) and Ben Rodriguez (27:53.6) completed the scoring runners. Danko set a season best by 1 minute and 9.2 seconds, Zielke set a personal record by 13.8 seconds and Rodriguez stole the show setting a personal record by 1 minute and 15.4 seconds and scoring for the team for the first time. Rounding out the top 7 were Nick Knust (27:58.4) and Dominic Comfort (28:32.7). Knust set a personal record by 20.5 seconds, while Comfort was only 7.7 seconds off his personal record. Mason Wildie (29:34.2) fought through the race finishing 23.8 seconds off his personal record.
In addition, 5 men upset the Skippers All Time Top 10 list. Katz stole the school record and McCombs nabbed the number 2 spot, while Zielke took number 7, Rodriguez took number 8 and Knust took number 9.
The Skippers men and women race next at the NJCAA Region XII Div. II & MCCAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday, October 29th host by Grand Rapids Community College.
