BLOG 16: Ferris women place 17th in the nation

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University cross country runner Mikinzie Stuart works her way through the 6K course during the NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country Championships in Slippery Rock, Pa. (Courtesy photo)

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Ferris State University had a season for the ages; it was one of the best years in the history of the Bulldog women’s cross country program.

Ferris placed 17th in the nation at the 2008 NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country Championships at Copper’s Lake Campground at Slippery Rock, Pa. The Bulldogs, running in more tough snowy and cold-weather conditions, placed 17th out of 24 teams with a total of 381 points. Like the other runners, the Bulldogs fought the elements and persevered to earn the 17th-place finish.

“The team, well I couldn’t be more proud,” said Tina Muir, who earned All-America honors with a 12th-place performance. “Everyone on the team has put in so much time and effort to get this far. And, when it came to the day that it really mattered, they were able to perform.”

Ferris had senior Mikinzie Stuart finished in 65th place, in a time of 23:19; in 103rd, sophomore Paige Onweller finished in a time of 23:48; in 134th, junior Megan Josey recorded a time of 24:18; in 151st, sophomore Nikki Wiers clocked a time of 24:40; in 161st, senior Jackie Green crossed the line in 25:01; and, in 177th, sophomore Sarah Creed ended in 25:48.

“All of the girls have made major improvements over the year and are running better than they have done in years,” said Muir, who is just the second woman cross country runner from Ferris to earn All-American honors after Jenny Irwin earned the recognition in 2005 with a 20th-place finish at the national championships in Pomona, Calif. “I just feel so proud of each and every one of them.”

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com