Fall 2012 - Southwest Baptist University

sports focusCaptionCaptionPhillip MillerAshley WolkomirTrenton MorrisKrenda McClureSBU Cross Countryhas record setting yearBY JEFF WESELOH ’09The 2012 cross country season marksone of the best seasons in the historyof SBU cross country. Both the men’s andwomen’s teams placed 2 nd at the MIAACross Country Championships, markingthe highest conference finish for thewomen in the history of the program.Two weeks later the men’s team qualifiedfor the NCAA National Championshipfor only the second time in schoolhistory.The Bearcats used a strong base fromthe summer, key workouts during theseason, and a good balance of racesthroughout the year to help perform ata high standard during conference andregional competition. During the regularseason, the Bearcats put together someof the strongest individual performancesSBU cross country has ever seen. At theJackling Jocks Invite, Ashley Wolkomirran the fastest women’s 5,000 meter timein school history (17:53.12), while PhillipMiller followed her performance up byrunning the fastest men’s 8,000 metertime in school history (24:33.13). Duringthe season, Wolkomir claimed twoMIAA Athlete of the Week awards whilePhillip Miller and Cody Troy Smith eachearned the honor once.The Bearcats rounded out their 2012season with strong performances atboth the MIAA Championships and theNCAA Central Regional Championships.At the 2012 MIAA Championships,Ashley Wolkomir tied for the highestindividual finish of any women’s runnerin the history of the program whenshe placed 3 rd in the women’s 6,000meter race. The women’s team had twoAll-MIAA performers in Wolkomirand Krenda McClure helping themto tie their highest conference finishin the history of SBU women’s crosscountry. On the men’s side, the Bearcatsalso had two All-MIAA performersin Phillip Miller and Trenton Morris.Miller finished 2 nd overall during the8,000 meter race, while Morris took8 th place, helping lead the Bearcats toa 2 nd place team finish. “I was veryproud of the effort both teams displayedat conference,” head coach CoreyMcElhaney stated about his teams. “Weran some great races, but came up alittle short of an MIAA Championship.This was the closest, most competitiveconference meet we have had in severalyears. I was very proud of how bothteams reacted at crunch time.”The Bearcats looked to use themomentum and confidence theyhad gained from 2 nd place finishes atconference to propel them to qualifyfor the NCAA National Championships.The women’s team ran a tough race at the12 SBUlife Fall 2012