By: Paige Apps, Contributor
This past weekend, the Griffs took part in the Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University where the men’s cross country team finished 11th and the women’s 13th. Head coach Tyler Scheving remarked on how for the team, this meet was all about simply running the race and being aggressive.
“So our first couple meets of the year were a little more controlled, let's get out controlled and then hammer the very end of the race. This was the first race of the season where I was able to kind of say, ‘Just go play the game. Go be aggressive. Get out well and attack as many people as you can,’” stated Scheving.
Once again, for the women’s team, senior Kayla Schmidt led the team and drove her way into the top 20 for the women’s race. With a final score of 379, Canisius placed ahead of MAAC and local rival Niagara. The race also saw a great number of personal and seasonal bests from the women’s team. The men’s team finished with an overall score of 376, junior Kyle Urban leading the team to claim a spot at 27th. The Golden Griffins once more placed ahead of the contending Purple Eagles.
“The fact that they were up there is no joke, and I don't think we were even close to seeing the best that they've got yet. So we're peaking for early November, but being able to see the fact that every race has gotten a little better with them has been a very welcome sight,” says Coach Scheving when remarking on Schmidt and Urban’s successes. For the rest of the team, he says the future looks bright continuing into the season.
The next obstacle for the cross country team is the annual Canisius Alumni Classic at Delaware Park on Oct. 19. The meet will wrap up the regular season for the Griffs before they head into the MAAC Championships.
Photo Courtesy Jacki Wallace
Comments