Men’s Cross Country takes title

Cross country is off to a smashing start for this year’s competitive season. After spending the first three weeks of the season preparing for competition with tough work outs and some self-accountability, the team has come together to start this season off right. Come rain or shine—or sometimes even some lightning—these athletes put their work in, and it is showing.

The women’s team added four first year students to their roster this year to make a total of seven competing runners. As the only senior on the women’s team, Molly Doruska leads the way for Lawrence in the 6000 meter. A 25:40 time put her in 10th place at the Lake Forest Invitational this last Friday. Following her was sophomore returner Alex Chand in 16th place and freshman Leah Hawksford in 17th.

The men’s team, with a total of 11 runners, competed fiercely in the Lake Forest Invitational. Senior Josh Janusiak came in first place in the 8000 meter with a time of 25:27.6. Janusiak blew the competition away: The second place runner, a competitor from Lake Forest College, was a full 46 seconds behind. Closely behind that was junior Joe Kortenhof in third place, and freshman Billy Daniels in fifth place. Together these men contributed to a 31 point team victory over five other competing schools.

Strong leadership and a close community for both cross country teams allows them to be successful and compete at their best ability. Each practice is purposeful, and every member pushes each other to get better with every step and every mile. Cross country is a sport that relies completely on mental toughness and determination to run longer and harder than all of your opponents. Some see it as an individual sport, but this team relies on each other to help everyone get better and achieve their goals. Luckily that leads to team wins like Lawrence got to experience last Friday