Last year, when we graduated one of the best runners in NCC's history (Amanda Laesch), no one thought NCC XC would be able to do anything special. They ranked us 8th in the Regional, which wouldn't even allow us to be considered to go to the National meet.
Man, were they wayyyyy off. This weekend, both the men's and women's cross country teams traveled to Rock Island, IL to participate in the DIII Regional Championships. And as our coach would say, we brought guns to a knife fight! The race consisted of 43 teams and a little over 300 athletes. It was intense competition regardless of what position you were in the race. But the Cardinals managed to battle through, and finish strong. We finished 4th!
The first two teams qualify for Nationals automatically, however, the next three are considered "at-large." This means that a committee from the NCAA sits down and decides who gets to participate in the National meet based on past performances and rankings. In a way, it is all a political debate. The National selections are then announced at 2pm on Sunday. I have to say, from the time the race ended, until now, has been the longest 24 hours of my life. I watched 1:55, 1:58, 1:59, and 2:00pm pass as I constantly hit refresh on the computer screen. When the little "NCAA selections" came up on the screen my heart dropped straight to my toes. As I scanned the list, I was silently freaking out, until I found NORTH CENTRAL! We made it!!! I don't think that I have ever smiled so big in my entire life.
Some may think that this is not a big deal, but to us, it just proved that all of the hard work, dedication, and countless miles we put in paid off. In my16 years of team sports, this is by far the best team I have ever had the privilege of being a part of. Not because of the Conference Championships, All-Conference and All-Regional athletes, National qualification, but because of how we have come together for a common goal. You don't see that often. You don't see 19 people working so hard together for a team instead of themselves. To be honest, I think this will be one of the most significant lessons I will leave North Central with. Yes, by yourself you can do good things, but until you are able to collaborate with a group of people who share the same passion as you do, you will never achieve GREAT things.
To all of the women on North Central cross country, I thank you for the lesson you have taught me, for the strength you have given me and I can't wait to kick some butt next weekend with you!