The ‘Cats took down Wisconsin on the way to a big win in Champaign.
Northwestern Cross Country is quickly establishing itself as one of the most exciting groups on campus.
Last Friday, the ‘Cats earned the team title at the Big Ten Preview 6k hosted by Illinois University, besting a busy field that included No. 19 ranked Wisconsin.
Anchorage’s finest Ava Earl led the charge for her squad as three Northwestern Wildcats finished in the top five. Earl broke her personal best for the 6k distance by seven seconds on the way to a third place finish in 20:17.3. Three seconds behind her in fourth was Holly Smith, whose 20:20.8 effort was her best over that distance by eight seconds. Rounding out the top five with yet another personal best for the ‘Cats was Ava Crinti. Crinti’s 20:32.9 marked a ridiculous day for the sophomore as the Massachusetts native set her personal best over 6k by over a minute.
Chloe Wellings and Skye Ellis finished the job for the ‘Cats with 11th and 17th-place finishes respectively. Keeping with the theme of the day, both runners set PR’s with their performances. Wellings’ 20:47.6 was her best effort by six seconds, and Ellis, who finished 17th in this event her freshman year with a 21:48.1, bested that time — and her personal record —in a 21:04.0.
The win moved the ‘Cats into the top spot in the USTFCCCA Midwest Region rankings for the first time in program history. Northwestern ousted Oklahoma State for the No. 1 ranking, and Iowa State, Minnesota and Bradley join the Cowboys behind the ‘Cats to fill out the top five.
Northwestern will also be in the conversation for a national ranking when those are released later today, as the 23-point victory over Wisconsin is sure to have turned some heads.
Northwestern will be back in action on Sept. 27 for the Nuttycombe Invitational in Madison, Wis., where the Badgers will have another shot at the red hot Wildcats.