The Observer, September 22, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 4
Erb and Smith lead the way at Behrend Invitational
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This past week was great for Case sports as both the men's soccer and football teams won to stay undefeated. Adding to the excitement was the great showing by the men's and women's cross country teams. The women placed first at the Penn State University Behrend Invitational, led by junior Esther Erb, who won the event with a time of 18:18.25.
"[It felt] pretty sweet. I had never won a cross country race," Erb said. "I was supposed to stick with the other two in the top three, but after the first mile, they were afraid that they wouldn't be able to keep up the pace, so they dropped off a little. That first mile felt really awesome, and I'd love to see that happen through an entire race someday soon."
In addition to Erb, four other Spartans finished in the top 10. Sophomore Kristen Bowhers finished third with a time of 18:55.85, senior Stephanie Nothelle placed fourth at 19:00.95, senior Karyn Wheeler finished sixth at 19:37.65, and sophomore Britta Kumley finished seventh at 19:54.65. The outstanding performance by the two sophomores did not come as a surprise to coach Kathy Lanese.
"I knew their capabilities as freshmen, and they are not exceeding those capabilities as sophomores," Lanese said. "I feel they are right on task."
Winning the PSU Behrend Invitational was no new task for the women's team, as they have now won three years in a row. However, this year was the most special yet, according to Erb.
"This was by far our best team performance ever, and as far as I know, it could quite possibly be the best performance from any Case women's cross country team ever," she said. "We were all really pumped, but more about our performance than about our win."
Erb earned some extra recognition this week by being named UAA women's cross country player of the week.
The men's cross country performed superbly also, as they finished second at the PSU Behrend Invitational to Mount Union College, who had 21 points compared to 41 for Case. The Spartans were led by sophomore Dominic Smith's third place finish at 26:42.90. Three others placed in the top 10, including sophomore Mike Petro finishing sixth at 27:16.05, sophomore Ryan Gjoraas seventh at 27:17.85, and freshman Austin Schmidt tenth at 27:34.55. Senior captain Stephen Hrinda and sophomore Josh Ward did not race due to nagging injuries. The injuries are of no major concern, though.
"They should be back in step soon. Stephen will not race at Wooster this weekend but I plan to race Josh," Lanese said.
As expected, both teams are riding a high after their strong performances at Behrend.
"The attitude is quite positive with the teams both running well above last year's performance," Lanese said. "I believe this will give us leverage for the bigger meets at Loyola and the All-Ohio."
The outstanding success and accomplishments the teams are making are not only due to the hard work of every individual but also from the leadership and experience provided by the seniors.
"This is the best senior leadership I have had in years," Lanese said. "They keep surprising me, and the team each week provides enhanced performance and constant reminders that hard work brings wins, and winning brings increased motivation for future performances."
Both teams will compete next at the Wooster Invitational at 11 a.m. tomorrow.
