AU Cross Country Teams Ready for All-Ohio Meet
October 9, 2003

Hearts racing. Overwhelming excitement. Over 250 runners in each team race. Nearly all Ohio colleges and universities represented.

This Friday (Oct. 10) the men’s and women’s cross country teams from across the state toe the line of the hardest course they will face this season -- the All-Ohio course at Ohio Wesleyan University. The Ashland University men’s and women’s cross country teams will be included in the field.

A year ago the AU men were ninth out of 39 teams, second among NCAA Division II teams. The AU women were 12th in a 39-team field. The AU women were sixth among Division II teams.

The men will face an 8K course of uphills and downhills and the women will race a 5K on this tough terrain.

Tough seems to be the word that goes hand and hand with the All-Ohio course.

“It is the most difficult course I have ever raced on,” said junior Renee Rall (Engadine, MI). “When you’re done it feels like such an accomplishment.”

Not only is the course physically demanding, it is also mentally challenging and a test of will and poise.

“This meet is great for your head and helps you build mental strength,” said sophomore Ashley Meeks (North Canton, OH/Jackson).

However, on race day the raw excitement and enthusiasm clouds the thoughts of the rough hills and tough race for many runners.

“It’s a race for bragging rights and status in the Ohio cross country scene,” emphasized senior Andy Alexander (Strongsville, OH). “It’s probably the biggest race of the year in terms of numbers of racers.”

There is an unspoken anticipation for the race that every runner on the team feels.

“People just look forward to this meet, get nervous for this meet, and get excited for this meet more then other early-season races,” reminded senior Tara Griffin (Strongsville, OH).

With as many as 250 or more runners in each team race, the mere thought of the competition can be nerve-wracking, especially for the new runners who have yet to be a part of a meet of this magnitude.

“To a younger runner it may be a little intimidating to run the infamous All-Ohio meet in cross country,” said senior Rick Bement (Columbia Station, OH/Olmsted Falls).

Every runner experiences the thrill of the race no matter what their talent level.

“It doesn’t even matter if you’re not the head of the pack, because no matter where you are in the pack, the competition is still there,” said Rall.

Motivation and inspiration gained from fans and peers is at an all-time high at this meet.

“It’s inspiring to watch how hard everyone works for each other,” said Steph Jones, who’s working as an intern with AU head coach Bill Gallagher.