Fort Lewis College Athletics

Men’s and women’s cross country enter national ranks following breakout weekend

10/11/2023 3:54:00 PM

By: Angela Roberts, Assistant AD - Communications

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Competing in a loaded field at the Lewis Crossover paid dividends for the Fort Lewis College cross country teams as impressive showings propelled both teams into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) ranks, announced by the organization on Wednesday.

"Our teams traveled to the Lewis Invitational and proved that they belong in the rankings," said head coach Shawn Jakubowski. "To have both programs enter the Top-30 rankings this week shows the strides these athletes are taking, and I'm so proud of them."

The men's team enters the poll this week at No. 30—the first ranking since 2003. At the Lewis Invitational, the men came away with an impressive ninth-place finish in the field of 30 teams. Fort Lewis was led by sophomore Elijah Smith who placed 22nd with a time of 24:37.0 to establish a personal best. Senior Conner Dosmann followed in 47th place with a personal best time of 24:56.9. The team's third finisher was senior Henry Barth (25:03.0) who managed to cross the line in 59th place and earn a personal best despite losing a shoe one mile into the course.

"The men had a few unfortunate events at Lewis but pulled together to run a good race. I don't think these men have shown what they can do just yet, so we are excited to do that at regionals," noted Jakubowski. "If they show what they're made of, they will earn a chance to compete at the national meet."

The women's team has secured a No. 24 ranking—the highest team ranking since 2016. At the Lewis Invitational, reigning RMAC Cross Country Runner of the Week, freshman Linda Weigang led the team with an eighth-place finish in the 33-team field. Weigang ran to an impressive sixth-place finish and a time of 21:24.7. She was the top finisher among conference opponents. Senior Katie Heck made her return to the scene after an All-American season in 2022. Heck placed 36th with a time of 22:09.9. Junior Brandy Ray followed with a personal best time of 22:28.8 to cross the line in 55th.

"While we are running well, both teams have a lot that they haven't shown yet. As Katie (Heck) gains fitness each week, we will have two low sticks at regionals and hopefully at the national level."

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