Tabor's Kleinsasser qualifies for nationals
Liz Kleinsasser's 11th place finish led the Lady Bluejays to a fourth place overall ranking at the Region IV Cross Country Championship Saturday at Omaha, Neb.
Kleinsasser, a freshman from Lee's Summit, Mo., who covered the 5K course in 19:32, qualified to run as an individual at the NAIA National Championship Nov. 17 at Kenosha, Wis.
"We had a good day of racing," said Tabor coach Karol Hunt. "Qualifying for nationals is a great honor. Having three runners receive regional recognition is also positive for our cross country program."
In addition to Kleinsasser, senior Heidi Schmidt (14th place, 19:39) earned All-Region honors in the women's race for the second consecutive year. In the men's race, Zac Remboldt's 13th place (8K, 27:31, personal record) earned All-Region honors, leading the team to sixth place.
Senior Amber Wiens (30th; 20:37) finished in the third spot for the women followed by Jera Teselle (34th; 20:46) in fourth and senior Ashley Schmidt (43rd; 21:21) in fifth. Other performances for the women were Carrie Schroeder (50th; 21:38), Leah Kopper (69th; 22:43), Tasheena Ruzinsky (71st; 22:51), and Tessa Siebert (75th; 23:07).
Heidi, Amber, and Ashley ran their final cross-country races on Saturday.
"Heidi and Amber have been major contributors for four years," Hunt said. "Ashley competed for three years and I have appreciated her steady, even keel approach. Her depth to the team will also be missed."
Dan Sigley (42nd; 28:51) finished second for the men and Justin Ball (44th; 28:52) was third. "As a freshman, Justin developed a lot as a college runner. He finished the season on a high note by running his second PR in two weeks."
Also running in his running his final college race was senior Caleb Schroeder (45th; 28:59).
"Caleb ended well too," Hunt said. "His final two races were in the 28s."
Rounding out the men's performances were Ric Johnson (62nd; 30:08), Adam McPeck (65th; 30:28), and Michael Adamyk (87th; 33:45).
"I am pleased with our season," Hunt said. "We grew tremendously as runners and individuals."
Results, Region IV Cross Country Championship
Team Results: WOMEN 1. Park University, 25; 2. Southwestern College, 80; 3. Kansas Wesleyan, 110; 4. Tabor College, 128; 5. Friends, 133; 6. College of Saint Mary, 179; 7. Sterling, 197; 8. Bethel, 207; 11. McPherson, 261; 13. Bethany, 344.
Tabor Results: (5K, 94 Finishers). 11. Liz Kleinsasser, 19:32; 14. Heidi Schmidt, 19:39; 30. Amber Wiens, 20:37; 34. Jera Teselle, 20:46; 43. Ashley Schmidt, 21:21; 50. Carrie Schroeder, 21:38; 69. Leah Kopper, 22:43; 71. Tasheena Ruzinsky, 22:51; 75. Tessa Siebert, 23:07. (*All-Region, top 15).
Team Results: MEN 1. Southwestern College 25; 2. Park University, 73; 3. McPherson, 103; 4. Friends, 119; 5. Haskell 156; 6. Tabor College, 162; 7. Ottawa 172; 8. Bethany, 179. (Other KCAC teams competing, Bethel, Kansas Wesleyan, Sterling).
Tabor Results: (8K, 91 Finishers). 13. Zac Remboldt, 27:31; 42. Dan Sigley, 28:51; 44. Justin Ball, 28:52; 45. Caleb Schroeder, 28:59; 62. Ric Johnson, 30:08; 65. Adam McPeck, 30:28; 87. Michael Adamyk, 33:45. (All-Region, top 15).
