Smith and Young qualify for nationals

Saturday proved to be a historic day for both St. John’s and St. Ben’s cross country teams.

In Colfax, Wi, the Bennies placed seventh of 32 teams only behind six nationally ranked teams and recorded their best region score since 2014.

Two CSB runners, junior Emily Demorett and senior Tracy Renier earned all-region honors.

Sophomore Fiona Smith became the first runner in CSB history to win the regional title with a time of 20:57, which advances her to next Saturday’s NCAA Championship meet in Louisville, Ky.

Smith credits a well-executed offseason plan for her continued success this year. She continued practices with the team after returning from her home in Saudi Arabia, where she did her preseason training this August.

“The way that our milage works is that it increases into the later half of the season, and then we start to decline and taper off towards the end.” Smith said.

This fosters fresh legs which help her perform at her best during a time when races are the most important. Smith also said she has used races to help her throughout the season.

“I always treat my races as a sort of a training too. I don’t really have a training partner on the team, so races are always a good way for me to get a good workout in,” Smith said.

CSB cross country coach Robin Balder-Lanoue credits Smith for the way she follows her routine.

“She is very disciplined in her training,” Balder-Lanoue said. “She does everything that she’s told and trusts the process.”

As for the upcoming race, Smith has some lofty expectations.

“I am hoping for top five, but we will see what happens,” said Balder-Lanoue. “I think she can finish top five. She is just someone who likes to push herself and I really believe she can be in that top five.”

There was a lot to be excited about as the SJU cross country team competed on the same course in Colfax.

Long-time head cross country coach Tim Miles was pleased with the performance.

“As a team, it was our best meet of the year,” Miles said. SJU cross country came in ninth place out of 31 teams as senior Andy Goldsmith received All-Region honors, crossing the finish line in 26th place.

Sophomore Lloyd Young also ran a spectacular race placing fifth and locking up a spot for Saturdays NCAA Championship race.

“I stayed relaxed,” Young said. “I didn’t do anything crazy early on and just tucked in behind the leaders to see what I could do. That’s kind of my plan for Nationals as well.”

Young will be attending the national meet for the first time as a sophomore.

“This is my first national performance, so I plan to get out there and do my best. I’m not sure what to expect but this is my first national meet and hopefully there will be more to come,” Young said

Miles applauded Young’s maturity,

“[He’s been] mature beyond his years since the day he got here,” he said. Miles also says that the results are earned.

“He knows himself well,” Miles said. “He put in the requisite milage over the summer to give himself a chance to do what he is doing. He has a plan, and he is following it well.”

Both Young and Smith are scheduled to run at the NCAA Division III National Championship located at Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, KY this Saturday, Nov. 16.

Looking into next year both CSB and SJU have a lot to look forward to. The Bennies hope to return six of the seven members of their regional team. The Johnnies will return five of their seven regionals runners, including Young, their top runner.