NMU XC has good day at NCAA Regionals

Courtesy of NMU Athletics

SOMERS, Wis. – The Northern Michigan University cross country team wrapped up the 2012 season at the NCAA Midwest Regional on Saturday (Nov. 3) as the Wildcats finished eighth out of 23 teams with 245 points. The women ran 6-kilometers at the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

“We had a good day but not a great day today,” NMU coach Jenny Ryan said. “We ran well with fast times but we have such a strong region and everyone ran fast.”

Grand Valley won the meet with 45 team points. Also qualifying for the NCAA Championship was Saginaw Valley State (110), Ferris State (134), Southern Indiana (147) and Bellarmine (154). Hillsdale and Northwood also finished ahead of NMU.

Junior Mallory Celaya was the first Wildcat across the finish line in 22:23, good for 34th place. Freshman Mary Kate Cirelli was 17 seconds back in 47th. Junior Mandy Dye finished two seconds and three places behind Cirelli in 50th.

“We have such a great group of young women,” Ryan added. “Six of our top seven and nine of our top 10 are returning next year and we moved from 11th in the region last year to 8th this year so the future is bright for NMU cross country.”

Sophomore Larissa Halonen (54th) and sophomore Katie Granquist (60th) also ran under 23 minutes. Senior Rita Woitas (89th) and freshman Megan Edic (90th) rounded out the runners for the Green and Gold.