Prior to the start of the season, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference conducted a coaches poll to estimate where the teams would finish up the seasons.
In that poll, the Slippery Rock women’s cross country team was picked to finish fifth, and this past Saturday they placed sixth at the PSAC Championships held at Cooper’s Lake Campground.
Both seniors, Stephanie Case, finishing 12th, and Kara Styles, finishing 18th, claimed a spot on the All-PSAC team this season, with their top-20 finishes.
Not only did Styles earn a place on the All-PSAC team, but she also received Champion Scholar Award to go with last year’s Outdoor Track award. The honor is given to the athlete who holds the highest GPA. Styles has successfully held a 4.0 through all 144 credit hours that she has taken.
Senior Abby Michaelian placed 27th, sophomore Janine Powis took 34th, and freshman Karly Knechtel finished in 58th to round out the top five for the Rock.
Powis has surged into competition for a top-five finish in nearly every race.
“I was happy with my race this past weekend and I am excited for the rest of the season and to start track,” Powis said. “I’m making sure I get enough sleep and eating well, along with getting some good long runs and workouts in to prepare for Regionals next weekend.”
Nobody knows better of the potential that these women hold, better than head coach John Papa.
“I was pleased with our team’s performance at the PSAC race, but we still did not have the total outstanding race that we are capable of having,” Papa said. “I believe all the runners gave their all the entire season and I am proud of their efforts. I always enjoy coaching our teams regardless of how they finish.”
The Rock will be participating in the NCAA Division II Regional Championships at Lock Haven University on November 3.
