By Brian Farrell, QBSN Staff Writer
September 15, 2012
On Saturday Quinnipiac men’s and women’s cross country hosted the Quinnipiac Invitational. The women dominated the day, as they scored four of the top five runners. In addition, the Bobcats held eight of the top ten spots. Central Connecticut State University was the only other team at the event.
The lone home meet also marked senior day for six QU runners. Becca White led the way once again winning with a time of 18:11. White has now won three consecutive home meets.
The race plan for the Bobcats entering the home meet was to work on pack running to prepare for the end of the season. This meant that White would lead the front pack, instead of running hard straight out of the start.
“She is difficult to coach,” head coach Carolyn Martin said smiling. “It’s not deliberate. She is just naturally competitive.”
“The plan was to stay with everyone,” White said. “Then coach said after the second or third mile I could do whatever I wanted.”
Judging by the 41 difference between White and the Bobcats’ second place finisher, Jessica Soja, White decided to go the competitive route.
With just one other team in competition, Martin made it clear that this meet was a meet to prepare for the future.
“We had a couple of different groups and we really wanted to emphasize pack running for two miles. Today is a great race to try it out and our girls did a great job.”
“We have a lot of runners this year and a lot of depth,” Martin said in reference to her ability to set up multiple packs. “It’s intimidating for other teams when you are chasing down two runners with a group of five girls.”
Quinnipiac’s front pack was led for the first mile by White. After White took off, QU’s Amanda Faust, Brianna Faust, Tracy Campbell, and Soja stuck together for the second mile.
“Pack running shows the team aspect of the sport,” Soja said. “Even moving up just one spot can really help to bridge a score.”
“We do pack racing to get used to the big races,” Amanda added. “That’s why working on it at a low key meet can help so much for the future.”
Following the race, Martin was especially impressed by the pack running of Campbell.
“Today was Tracy’s second ever college race and she did a great job staying up with that pack.”
“Usually I’m not with them in practice,” Campbell said. “But today was a good challenge for me.”
Quinnipiac will receive a well deserved week off before traveling to Lehigh on Sep. 28.
