Senior Lara Kallem (photo by Chiefy Loma)
Senior Lara Kallem (photo by Chiefy Loma)

Kallem leads Storm at NCAA regionals

WAVERLY, Iowa - The Simpson College women's cross country team saw two athletes earn all-region status, highlighted by Lara Kallem's career-best time for a 15th place finish.

Kallem broke the 22 minute barrier for the first time in her career, earning all-region status and in all likelihood an individual qualifier spot to the NCAA Championships. Teghan Booth also ran a career-best for all-region honors.

"The women have had a great year and today was a great ending to it," said Storm director of cross country and track and field Heath Moenck. "Lara was remarkable punching her ticket to nationals, while Teghan also had a great individual performance."

HOW IT HAPPENED

  • The Storm finished in seventh place, improving by one spot compared to last year's showing.
  • Kallem's career-best time of 21:58.1 was good for 15th place and means she will compete at the NCAA Championships next weekend.
  • Booth finished 26th in a career-best 22:21.0, joining Kallem for all-region honors.
  • Kaya Young and Mya Whitaker also clocked career-bests for the Storm.

STORM LINEUP
15. Lara Kallem - 21:58.1
26. Teghan Booth - 22:21.0
53. Ashley Rockhold - 23:30.1
81. Emily Erhardt - 24:05.6
82. Kaya Young - 24:07.8
102. Mya Whitaker - 24:34.0
118. Elise Wieland - 24:59.0

UP NEXT
Kallem will compete in the NCAA Championships in Carlisle, Pa. next weekend. Kallem will officially know her fate when the NCAA announces qualifiers on Monday.