By Isabella Custodi, Sports Contributor
Senior Kayla Schmidt’s high placement led the women’s cross country team to first at the Canisius Alumni Classic at Delaware Park in Buffalo this past weekend.
In the 5K, Schmidt placed first with a time of 17:54.1, setting a personal record. Last year, she placed fifth with a time of 18:00.5. “The fifth-place finish was a hard-fought result. However, knowing I improved this year – feeling strong, confident and having consistent and sound training under my belt – made this win even more special,” says Schmidt.
Behind Schmidt was freshman Ella Krumpek in third (17:58.8), graduate student Jules Jones in ninth (18:25.2), junior Jacqueline Appenheimer in 12th (18:35.5), and freshman Nadalie Latchaw in 18th (18:55.7).
Schmidt believes her success has helped her be a strong leader to her teammates. “I think being able to showcase myself as a strong leader is vital to the team's success. I try to show them that results take time. Not everyday you are going to feel your best, but that is part of the process, and I want them to look up to me to see that if you work hard even through setbacks that you will find yourself again,” stated Schmidt.
With her success, and Krumpek and Jones’ top ten placements, the women took home first place with a total of 39 points. Saint Francis followed behind in second, just short of one point from Canisius.
The Griffs now head into the postseason with the 2024 MAAC Championships in Montgomery, NY on Nov. 2.
Photo courtesy of Tom Wolf
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