Cross country teams successful at conference championship

The V-Hawks cross country teams had a successful day at the conference championships on Nov. 8 in Forest City, Iowa. The men’s cross country team finished second in the conference with three runners in the top 15. The women’s team finished third at the conference championships,

The V-Hawks had Drake Ingold and Sam Larson be named All-Conference finishing fourth and seventh, punching their tickets to nationals. Ian Schikel finished 12th, surpassing his personal best. Ingold and Larson also become the first freshman and sophomore combination to qualify for nationals in Viterbo history.

The women’s cross country team had three runners in the top 15 of the Nov. 8 meet. Two freshman V-Hawks, Sophie Leinfelder and Madelyn Adams, leave with All-Conference honors and punching their tickets to nationals as well. Lauren Herzog placed 15th in the meet, marking this as her second top 15 finish since she began running at Viterbo last year. The pair make history as this the first time that Viterbo has sent two freshman to nationals.

Coach Don Fritch talked about his expectations coming into the season, saying that “both teams were quite young, but I saw the potential coming into the season.” He was really impressed how the women ran in the conditions that they were presented with—low temperatures and a snow filled course.

When asked about how he felt about sending four runners to nationals he said, “being able to send three freshman to nationals in one year is amazing for this program.” This is the first time all the national qualifiers were underclassmen in the same year.

Fritch went on to claim that the success he’s had since coming to Viterbo is big for the recruiting scene: “I hope the success we are having brings national attention to our program for recruiting runners that will add to our skilled team.”

The national championship is Nov. 22 in Vancouver, Wash.