Motivation is High for GLIAC Cross Country Championship
October 20, 2003

By Sherri Trent, AU Sports Information

Many Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships are won by Ashland University teams throughout the season, but for the cross country teams it’s a different story. There is one race -- one shot to gain the coveted GLIAC trophy.

This year’s GLIAC cross country championships take place this Saturday (Oct. 25) in Big Rapids, MI. The meet, hosted by Ferris State, will be held at Katke Golf Course.

The men’s race consists of four teams ranked in nation’s top 25. Those four teams are 10th- ranked Wayne State, 11th-ranked Hillsdale, 12th-ranked Grand Valley State University and AU, ranked 25th.

The women’s race consists of third-ranked Grand Valley, fourth-ranked Northern Michigan, 10th-ranked Wayne State and 17th-ranked Hillsdale. AU has been ranked at times this season.

While many teams see their conference meet as the ending of the season, the runners at AU see it in a different light.

“The conference meet is where cross country season begins,” said fifth-year senior Erika Loomis (Conneaut, OH).

Junior Bart Smith (Somerset, OH/Sheridan) said, “We really don't start taking meets seriously until the GLIAC meet.”

The AU teams have been taught that while the GLIAC championships hold weight in the bragging wars, in all actuality for teams with their sights set on the NCAA Championships it’s a mere stepping stone toward the most highly anticipated meet - the NCAA Division II regional championship.

“The GLIAC is a final evaluation of our team standing,” said junior Nate Iler (Bucyrus, OH/Colonel Crawford).

“The conference meet is a good indicator of where our teams stand in comparison to the competition we will face at region,” said sophomore Jess Fleming (Massillon, OH/Jackson).

The AU men and women face a tough battle every season of upholding the high standards and poise set by runners before them.

“The GLIAC championship is the first step for our teams in inscribing our names in the lore and the tradition of this program,” said senior Joe Soehnlen (Canton, OH/Massillon Perry).

The history of these teams serves as motivation for the AU runners as they head into the climax of their season.

“The GLIAC is not valued just for today’s runners,” said Iler. “Ashland runners have presented a tradition of success, respect and competitiveness that continues to fuel each of us.”

Junior Colleen Wurzer (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena) feels that the GLIAC meet is a time for ambition, courage and race confidence for both the men and women.

“It’s an emotional meet because all of your teammates are in the same race, racing for the same finish line,” said junior Ashley Meeks (North Canton, OH/Jackson).