"Every year we see similar results at this meet. We have solid races on tired legs, and today was no different," head coach Trisha Steidl said. "We've upped our training this year and it's taking a toll on the legs right now, but it will pay off tremendously when the results truly matter, which is later in the season."
In the men's eight-kilometer invitational race, Kelton Sears (Maple Valley, Wash.) was the top finisher for the Redhawks, crossing the finish line in 43rd place in 26:05.77, followed by Collin Overbay (Spokane, Wash.) in 46th place with a time of 26:27.62. Peter VanNuland (Newcastle, Wash.) finished the race in 48th place in 26:38.71, with Miles Hille (Woodinville, Wash.) close behind in 50th place with a time of 26:41.23.
A group of Redhawk runners worked together throughout the race, with Jeff Baklund (Auburn, Wash.) posting a time of 26:50.08, followed by Keenan Clinch (Sammamish, Wash.) in 26:56.70, Ryan Dennison (Pacifica, Calif.) in 26:57.08, and Kevin Kopetz (Derry, N.H.) in 27:09.06. Chris Auld (Eugene, Ore.) traversed the course in a time of 28:02.67, with brother Dan Auld (Eugene, Ore.) right behind him with a time of 28:09.85.
Competing as unattached runners, Erik Barkhaus (Whitefish Bay, Wis.) finished 18th in a time of 24:57.96, and Matthew McClement (Bellingham, Wash.) crossed the finish line in 40th place with a time of 25:52.05. Barkhaus and McClement are planning to redshirt this season in order to gain an opportunity to compete in NCAA postseason competition next year, when Seattle U is eligible as a full Division I member.
"The men's team was solid, but with Graham Kinzel-Grubbs sitting out today and our top two guys redshirting, we're realizing we're young and have a lot of work to do to fill the spots of those who graduated last year. That being said, there were some huge improvements by a few of the guys and I'm happy with our depth. Our times need to drop, but I'm confident they will. These guys are focused on racing well at the conference meet," said Steidl.
Hannah Mittelstaedt (Maple Valley, Wash.) was the top finisher for the Seattle U women in the six-kilometer invitational race, crossing the line in 29th place with a time of 22:41.98. Sarah Bolce (Sacramento, Calif.) finished in 34th place in 22:56.77, and Jennifer Stolle (Seattle, Wash.) posted a time of 23:19.48 to finish in 37th place. Running unattached, Kimberly Pugliese (Mililani, Hawaii) stayed with Stolle throughout the race, finishing in 39th place in 23:22.64.
Sophie Curatilo (Honolulu, Hawaii) finished the race in 48th place with a time of 23:45.29, with Lauren Hammerle (Seattle, Wash.) posting a time of 24:28.18 and Meghan Arigo (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) finishing the course in 24:49.68. Ashley Dalton (Bellingham, Wash.) finished the event in 25:42.65, followed by Madison Davis (Camano Island, Wash.) in 25:44.32 and Amy Tolentino (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) in 26:09.51.
"The women's team had very strong performances today. Sarah and Sophie both had top-notch races that show they are headed in a positive trajectory as the season continues. The amount of time Sarah took off from last year's race is tremendous, and I know she came in with tired legs like everyone else. The ladies are looking strong and headed in a good direction for the end of the season," Steidl said.
Running in the women's six-kilometer open race, Haley Kruell (Portland, Ore.) finished the course in a time of 27:52.87, followed by Meghan Manwill (Eugene, Ore.) in 28:05.82. David Strand (Seattle, Wash.) and Baxter Arguinchona (Spokane, Wash.), running unattached as he continues his recovery from summer surgery, competed in the men's eight-kilometer open race, but their official times were not known due to timing issues during the race.
The Seattle University cross country team will take the next two weeks to get ready for the Emerald City Open, to take place Saturday, Oct. 1, at Lower Woodland Park. The women's six-kilometer race is set to begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the men's eight-kilometer race at 11:15 a.m.