BLOG 11: Muir has an ‘incredible day’ as Ferris advances to nationals

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State cross country runner Tina Muir competes in the 2008 NCAA Division II Midwest Region Cross Country Championships (FSU Photographic Services)

BIG RAPIDS – Tina Muir is an emotional kind of person, but even she was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the emotions that rushed through her body on Saturday afternoon at Katke Golf Course.

Muir, a standout sophomore running for the Ferris State University cross country team participating in the 2008 NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Cross Country Championships, had a stellar performance that she will not soon forget. The native of the United Kingdom put on a show as she placed fifth in the region as she completed the 6K course in 21:56.8 as part of an effort that helped the team make a little bit of school history in the process.

“It was just the most incredible day I’ve had at Ferris so far,” said Muir, whose current Bulldogs represent only the third time the team has earned a trip to nationals and the first since 1987. “When I crossed the (finish) line knowing I had made it to nationals as an individual it was one of the most exciting moments of my life as it was what I wanted more than anything.”

“But, when I heard the team had qualified (for nationals) too it was just the icing on the cake,” said Muir, who was also proud of strong performances by her teammates as senior Mikinzie Stuart finished 12th (22:41.6), sophomore Megan Josey was 23rd (23:31.1), sophomore Paige Onweller was 35th (23:44.9), senior Jackie Green was 39th (23:50), sophomore Sarah Creed finished 91st (25:13.7) and sophomore Nikki Wiers placed 93rd in (25:18.3). “Every single person on the team has worked so hard and deserved it. And going to nationals is the one thing that everyone wants to do.”

“The team is so close and we get along so well that it is amazing to not only go to nationals but to go to nationals with a group of your best friends,” said Muir, whose Bulldogs finished just two points ahead of Southern Indiana to take the final of the three bids to nationals with 111 points (Grand Valley State won the women’s regional and Wayne State placed second to earn the top two spots in nationals on Nov. 22 in Slippery Rock, Pa.). “It is an incredible feeling.”

Muir and Stuart, as top-15 finishers, earned all-region accolades for the Bulldogs.

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