SYLVANIA, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) -- The Lourdes University Cross Country teams concluded a successful 2024 season, highlighted by record-breaking performances, historic milestones, and strong finishes at the WHAC Championship. Under the leadership of Head Coach Cherly McLean, both the men's and women's teams continued to build on their progress, with notable individual achievements and academic success.
Men's Cross Country Highlights:
- 9th-Place Finish: The men's team finished in 9th place at the WHAC Championship, marking their third consecutive season in this position.
- Strong Performance: The team continued to build on their foundation, with key performances from standout runners such as Liam LeBlanc, who posted a personal-best time at the Siena Heights University Meet, contributing to the team's 6th-place finish.
- Academic Success: 4 athletes earned WHAC Academic All-Conference honors, showcasing their dedication to both their sport and academics.
Women's Cross Country Highlights:
- 8th-Place Finish: The women's team improved to 8th place at the WHAC Championship, up from 9th the previous year.
- Record-Breaking Performance: Jenna Ramsey etched her name in Lourdes history by becoming the first runner to compete at the NAIA Women's Cross Country Championship on November 22. She placed 182ndout of 327 qualifiers, completing the 6k course in 23:25.8, a solid performance in a highly competitive field.
- WHAC Championship Performance: At the WHAC Championship, Jenna Ramsey also broke the 6k record, running a personal-best time of 22:48.0.
- Academic Excellence: 5 athletes earned WHAC Academic All-Conference honors, underlining the team's commitment to success both on the course and in the classroom.
Looking Ahead:
The 2024 season was a step forward for both the men's and women's cross country teams, with numerous individual achievements and team improvements. As Lourdes Cross Country looks toward the 2025 season, the team is focused on continuing to build on this year's successes and setting new goals for the future.
