SEATTLE – (Oct. 15) The pouring down rain and rolling course added to the drama Saturday as the Seattle U cross country teams competed in their only home meet of the season, the Emerald City Open.
The Redhawks appeared completely un-phased by the conditions, despite the rain permeating every part of them, backs covered with mud they had kicked up, the elements so loud against the soggy course that spectators couldn’t hear their deep breathing.
“This course is great in showing who's tough and who isn't,” head coach Trisha Steidl said. “It's about racing smart, racing tactically, being confident in and using your strengths, and being gritty.”
Saturday, the teams showed that grit.
Both the women’s and men’s teams finished in second place among all teams, but took first place versus the other universities. Club Northwest took first in both men’s and women’s teams, as well as men’s and women’s individuals.
“The clubs are strong, and it was great to have them there to compete against,” Steidl said.
Despite battling the normal mid-season “being a little banged up,” as well as some illnesses, Steidl said the teams showed great effort.
The women were led by Lila Rice (22:18.00), who finished with a strong kick at the end to take second-place overall in a field of 93, and first among the collegiate runners.
“Lila had a fantastic race – her best of the year thus far!,” Steidl said. “She looked strong, and I saw the competitive, gritty look in her eyes for the first time this season. When I saw this, I knew she was going to run well today."
Steidl said that Rice’s finish was “wonderful,” and something that she knew was in her reach as long as she felt better after battling a cold the past week.
The men were led by Eli Boudouris (25:54.00), who also ran a strong race, and moved his way up throughout the course to grab a third-place finish overall in a field of 125. He finished first among the collegiate runners.
“Eli was on fire today!,” Steidl said. “Despite also being sick all week, he was fired up and ready to go and put himself out there. He looked strong, in control, and determined to compete to the best of his ability.”
Boudouris has continued to improve since last season, which Steidl said is a testament to his consistent training and increased focus.
Even in the rain and cold, the cross country teams had a cheering section at Emerald City Open.
The track and field team, who always come to support at home, were there to offer helping hands in running the meet.
The men’s basketball team also braved the rain, coming to support their fellow Redhawk student-athletes. The players, coaches, and support staff showed up and cheered the runners on, calling out their names as they passed by with words of encouragement.
Next, the Redhawks will travel to Corvallis, Ore. for the Beaver Classic on Oct. 21 before returning home for the WAC Championships.
“We will now start the final phase of preparing for the end of the season, and can move onto the last four weeks of the season with all the strength we know we have,” Steidl said.