Sophomores Kate Huisinga (left) and Skyler Blessman (right), photo by Frank Novak

Posted: Oct 14, 2023

Storm complete final preparations for conference championships

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - Both of the Simpson College cross country teams completed their final races before the conference championships, competing in a loaded field full of regionally and nationally ranked opponents at the Augustana Interregional.

The Storm competed in a field with over 40 teams and 400 athletes, with many teams in regional and national rankings. Spencer Moon claimed a top 10 finish to lead the men to 19th place, while Lara Kallem took 20th overall to spur the women on to 11th overall.

MEN'S RECAP

Six of the seven men in the scoring lineup set either a season or career-best. James Murray (25:55.2) and Ean Warrick (25:53.6) both set career-bests en route to breaking the 26-minute barrier. They were the next two Storm finishers as Moon was the top Storm runner once again by clocking a 24:49.8.

The Storm defeated all three regionally ranked teams below them in Grinnell, Cornell College, and fellow conference foe Dubuque. The Storm also came within striking distance of multiple national foes and other regionally ranked opponents, with less than 90 points separating the next six places total.

"Our men battled today," said director of cross country and track and field Heath Moenck. "We had a lot of positives to take away from and are excited for the championship portion of our season, as great opportunities still await."

WOMEN'S RECAP

The Storm women also followed a similar track to the men, with six of the seven runners in the scoring lineup clocking a season or career best. Lara Kallem was 20th overall in a blistering 22:22.1, her career-best. Kallem simultaneously has led the Storm at every event this year while also setting a career-best each time. Kate Huisinga also set a career-best with a time of 25:21.1.

The Storm women finished 11th overalls taking down fellow regionally ranked foes Illinois Wesleyan, Grinnell, and Millikin. Simpson also took down five more opponents ranked in different regions, as well as edging out the No. 19 team in the country, Hope College.

"Our women ran really well today," said Moenck. "Lara continued her terrific season while Teghan and Ashley had big breakthroughs. We are well positioned for a special end to the season."

UP NEXT
The Storm will now gear up for the A-R-C Championship, which will be held in Pella, Iowa on Oct. 28.

STORM LINEUP - MEN
10. Spencer Moon - 24:49.8
97. Ean Warrick - 25:53.6
100. James Murray - 25:55.2
159. Marc Medici - 26:20.3
214. Andrew Klein - 26:42.5
245. Louden Foster - 26:56.1
256. Jacob Willson - 27:01.6