The Mac Weekly

Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Andy Johnson / macalester.edu/athletics Tim Burns '09 (far left) and Martin Mudry '09 (right) during the conference meet. Mudry finished 12th and Burns finished 47th.

Although the Scots didn't do as well as they would have liked in the MIAC men's cross-country championships this past weekend, that doesn't mean they're out of the running for regionals or nationals. The Scots finished eighth in the meet last Friday; a disappointing result after holding fourth place for four years.

"It probably took me about four, five days to get over that," Head Coach Matt Haugen said. "It was disappointing to have 8th place associated with this team, it's I think the best team Mac's had in about 20 years. But there are eight decent teams this year [in the MIAC] and that's all it took."

However, says runner Martin Mudry '09, that shouldn't have an affect on the upcoming meets. "I think it's a matter of confidence," he said. "How you feel today doesn't affect how you feel tomorrow." Mudry said he believes that as long as the team gets its four top runners where they have been in the past, "there's no reason we couldn't surprise people."

Coach Haugen seconds this sentiment. "We have four of our number one men competing. As long as they equal their best time, we can redeem ourselves. They have a chance to define themselves."

Haugen also spoke of using last week as inspiration for regionals.

"Pain can be a great motivator," he said. "We were all in a lot of pain after finishing eighth. It was really tough to accept."

While the team was disappointed with the weekend's results, some of the racers did well. Kyle Bramm '08 received an honorable mention all-conference after placing 25th in the meet. Mac's top racers also included Matt Wegmann '08, Jakob Wartman '08, and Tim Burns '09. Haugen spoke confidently of these runners performing well at regionals as well, as it may be the seniors' last race.

"With the seniors, it's very possible we can have a better regional finish than a conference finish," he said

Mudry attributes the team's overall performance this year partially to the competition within the team. Although cross-country is an independent sport, he said, team members can still have an effect on each other. "The team [serves] as markers during practices and races. [They] help push each other and be pushed. We wear these bright orange uniforms, so we stand out. Because you know the people you know you can be [successful] because you've done it everyday during practice."

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools