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Spring 2008 | Volume 31, Number 1
| Athletics
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SPU Women Harriers Finish Second Overall
Lonely in the lead, Jessica Pixler keeps on winning |
With first-place finisher Jessica Pixler leading the way, the Seattle Pacific University women’s cross country team took second overall in the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship in Joplin, Missouri, November 17. The team finish was the Falcons’ highest-ever national placing. “We felt we had an opportunity to be in the top three because of our sixth-place finish last year,” says Doris Heritage, head cross country coach. “Several players had improved since then.”
Pixler crossed the finish line 13.6 seconds ahead of the next runner, cruising the 6,000-kilometer race in a course record 20:29.1 minutes. It was her first national cross country title — and followed her victory in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) West Regionals, during which she posted an even faster, 19:52.9-minute time. Also finishing in the top 10 at Nationals, and earning All-American status along with Pixler, was sophomore Jane Larson, who was eighth across the finish line, just 26 seconds behind Pixler.
The Falcons bested 22 of the 24 teams while conquering some unexpected challenges. Midway through the race, Pixler and another lead runner clipped heels, sending both to the ground. The third Falcon harrier to cross the finish line, junior Suzie Strickler, wasn’t cleared to run until moments before the race due to a hamstring injury. Other Falcons fought off colds, and one was recovering from anemia.
The success of SPU’s season brought in more accolades for Pixler. In late November, she was named the 2007 Division II Women’s Cross Country Athlete of the Year and nominated for the Division II Athlete of the Year
Next season? “We’re losing three very important seniors,” says Strickler. “But we have a strong returning team. If we all continue to step it up and stay healthy, we should have another exciting season in 2008.”
—Photo by Joanie Komura
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