XC Times for September 8, 2018: Les Duke Invitational

Our Next Meet Saturday September 29th

The XC Times

Dan Huston Invitational Waverly, IA 10:30a

Down the Road Saturday October 13th

Jim Drews/Tori Neubauer Invitational La cross, WI 10:30a

Saturday October 27 The American River Conference Meet Lincoln, NE 11am

Simpson Storm X-Country 2018 Les Duke Invitational

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September 8, 2018

In the Chute Shelby Hunemiller I remember coming into Simpson and staying the night with the Roquet twins. I instantly felt at home when meeting the team, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of the Simpson cross country team. I was very excited but also nervous wondering how well I would perform on a new team.

I remember Morgan Moline guiding me my freshman year into who I am as a runner today, and I was pushed to give it my all by running with Jessie Gronke. As I look at the past the Simpson College women’s cross-country team not only has influenced me on how I hold myself today and strive for the best that I can be, but it has also taught me how to be a mentor/friend to incoming runners on the team. The cross-country team not only has taught me that my true love is running but it has also made me realize that it is truly my passion that I want to pursue a career in.

This summer has truly prepared me for this season by following Coach Kirby’s guidance , being able to train with alumni, and long running at my internship. With my teammates, ready to give it their all this season, I know that the Simpson women’s cross-country team is going accomplish big goals this year. I’m excited to spend my last year running with my best friends and what better way than to race at Pickard.

Simpson Storm Les Duke Invitational September 7, 2018 Tonight’s Preview

Here’s What to Look For Men’s Race Back at it again, the men are excited to race in their first 8K of the season tomorrow at the Les Duke Invitational. This will be our first trip to Grinnell in many years and we’re excited for the opportunity to toe the line once again.

This race will be much larger than the previous weeks meet and I’m looking forward to seeing how we react in the more intense race environment.

Last week we were led by our two most accomplished runners, Trey Thompson and Jonathan Facio. I was pleased to see that they picked-up where they left off a year ago. Two other men who raced well last week were senior Drew Roen and sophomore Ryan Courtney. Hopefully our depth can come through tomorrow and we’re able to head into our long run Sunday morning feeling good about the results.

The Women’s Race Today’s meet will feature a couple of things. First, we are excited about our front end, our low sticks.. Shelby Hunemiller and Emily Buchheit, both come into the season in great shape and are poised to lead the storm this season.

Shelby, is a proven leader and not only has done a great job of being a great leader overall, but she is a great leader to our younger runners.

Julie Wahman

Following our Iowa preps, collegiate and pros as they take their talents to the next level! www.nextleveliowa.com

I can’t wait to see our freshmen run their first 6K. Last week we saw a glimpse of the incredible upside of our freshmen, but this week, I hope to see the confidence building in the likes of freshmen Kylie Orr, Katie Murano and Cat Lucht. Mackenzie Laughlin has a bright future but is slowed currently by a nagging hip injury. While, Mackenzie is soldiering up for today’s race, just wait till Mac is at full strength! “"Find though she but little, she is fierce”

William Shakespeare

Here’s What to Look For

At the Start line Heidi Thompson

Schedule of races: (times are approx.)

10am Women’s Race 11am Men’s Race

This is it! Our final season of cross country is upon us. Looking back over the years brings cringing, smiling, some sad tears, and lots happy tears.

Teams Competing Today

Coe Southeastern CC Hawkeye CC Central Park U. Faith Baptist Waldorf U. Iowa Track and Field Club Iowa Western CC Monmouth Grinnell Des Moines CC Scott CC Southwestern CC Knox Graceland Principia Iowa Wesleyan U. Grinnell Running Club Unattached

The cringing – I cringe thinking about Trey’s middle school cross country years. Trey hated running, hated cross country, and probably hated his parents for forcing him to participate. Our rule was that you had to be in an organized sport each season in middle school. He’s not built like a football player, so we were left with running. It was so far off his radar, I’m not even sure he knew it was a sport. Those were rough seasons.

The smiling – I smile when I think of Trey’s freshman year at districts. I genuinely believe this was a life-changing race for him.

He wasn’t expected to place so there was little pressure, but then he ended up just outside of the top 10. I saw a switch flip in him after that race. He saw that he could do this cross-country thing if he just gave a little more effort. After that season, he was all in on cross country.

The sad tears – My heart still hurts when thinking about his junior year at the state meet. He had slightly changed his pre-race eating routine and ended up getting sick in the race. He finished, but it was ugly. He was devastated and I can still hear him crying out “Why? Why?” That day still hurts my heart.

The happy tears – When I see Trey’s success and passion for this sport, I am so very thankful we pushed him to give cross country a try back in 7thgrade. Running has provided him such a wonderful life. It gave him an amazing group of friends, some wonderful coaches, and has taught him the discipline he needs to be successful in life.

Simpson Cross Country is an amazing program and Trey has really found a home here. It’s a home that will be hard for him (and us) to leave. May this season be the best yet!

Roll Storm – Heidi Thompson

“The only thing we knew how to do, was to keep on keepin’ on”-Bob Dylan