Cross Country Finishes Runner-Up at Regionals

The Kellogg Community College Cross Country Teams traveled to the NJCAA DIII Region XII Race today in Byron Center,  Michigan. Both teams had a great race, but came up just short of the crown, finishing runner-up!

Freshman Brenna Withers moved up the top 10 leaderboard to the 5th best time in Lady Bruin history with a season best 5K time of 22:02. She received All- Region honors by finishing 2nd in the race among Division III runners. Freshman Faith Grupczynski had her first PR (Personal Record) time of her season. She ran strong and fast. The other notable PR was from Freshman Shayla Ardis. Shayla will continue competing this year as she plays women's basketball as well. 

 

Coach Tom Shaw said, "I am so proud of the women's team as they improved virtually every race and we are excited about next season already. Shout out to our Sophomore runners in Megan Jackson and Rayna Richardson. Megan qualified for the National Championship on November 11 so she will be excited to run one more time for the Bruins before she moves on to the next level to continue her academic endeavors and we wish her good luck."

 

Women's Results:

Brenna Withers - 22:02.8

Megan Jackson - 27:16.0

Faith Grupczynski - 27:38.2 (PR)

Shayla Ardis - 31:03.9 (PR)

Lexi Kryszewski - 31:34.9

 

Freshman Zach Piercy had his PR of the season in leading the Bruins to a runner-up finish as a team. His time put him on the podium, and earned him All-Region as the 3rd best runner in the NJCAA Division III race. His PR time today kept him secure in the top-ten in KCC history as the 8th best time in program history. Freshman Caleb Keaton ran his best tactical race of the season. His goal of beating the Lorain runner in their 4th spot was instrumental in keeping our team in the race as a team. His kick down the stretch (400 meters) was impressive and I know he is hungry for more at the National Championship in two weeks. Freshman Marcus Peevers had a PR in the race that proved to himself he is a collegiate runner in cross country. His gutsy run beat his previous PR by almost a full minute on a slow wet course.

 

On the MCCAA side of things, the men's team finished in 5th place as a team out of 14 teams. Coach Shaw said, "Being the only Division III team in the MCCAA and with that team finish is beyond impressive for the year. Huge shout out to our sophomore runners Brendan Wedding and Curtis Falbe who are getting closer to their collegiate running careers coming to an end. We appreciate their leadership, drive and experience on such a young team. Thank you gentlemen!"

 

Men's Results:

Zach Piercy - 28:38.4(PR)

Carson Lenzinger - 28:42.8

Alex Steward - 29:06.1

Caleb Keaton - 30:49.5

Brendan Wedding - 32:42.6

Marcus Peevers - 34:08.1(PR)

Max LaDuke - 32:42.6

Curtis Falbe - 36:25.5

 

Post season continues for the Bruins in two weeks as they head south! Coach Shaw stated, "We look forward to our National Championship race on November 11. The men have an excellent chance to be a top-10 team in the nation with a good solid race, which we fully expect. The Lady Bruin individual runners will gain valuable experience in the race to take into the off-season where they'll improve and stay hungry for next season. Wish us all good luck in Huntsville, Alabama in two weeks!"

 

Brenna Withers and Megan Jackson will join the men's team as they travel to the NJCAA Cross Country National Championships on Nov. 11 in Huntsville, Alabama. Good luck to all!