By: Kyle Keck | Sports Writer
The Taylor men's and women's cross country teams each slotted themselves one position higher in the latest NAIA Top-25 Poll this week.
The women's team moved its way from No. 5 to No. 4, becoming the highest-ranked team in the history of the school's program. Likewise, the men's team improved one spot to No. 13, which makes 17 straight times polling in the top-25.
The latest meet for both teams took place on Oct. 9 at the Bethel Invitational. The men's squad was led by junior Matt Hall, who earned his first collegiate win by finishing first out of 167 runners. Taylor's second- and third-place finishers included sophomores Stephen Cho and Joseph Beamish, both clocking in with personal bests.Hall, a Nationals competitor for track and field last spring, earned Crossroads League Male Runner of the Week. While finding success in both sports is tough to come by, Hall credits his success to one thing.
"I focus on trying to do the little things right, whether that be good stretching, making sure I roll my legs out or weights," Hall said. "In my opinion, doing all of the little things right (ends) up making a big difference in my training, injury prevention and mental confidence."
The women blazed through their competition at the Bethel Invitational as well. Not only did they win their third race out of four, they also placed five runners inside the top-10. Sophomore Alex Berends showcased her speed once again by receiving her seventh collegiate win. Berends' sub-18 minute time also helped Taylor clock its second fastest time in program history.
Junior Hannah Schroder and senior Jane Hawks finished as Taylor's second- and third- place runners for the second week in a row. Schroder placed third overall out of 170 with a time of 18:31.3, while Hawks placed sixth overall with a time of 18:47.5.
As both teams have paced their way to the top, Hall admits that the Trojan running experience is not something to take for granted.
"I've noticed an increase in our team's desire to be great," Hall said. "Not only do we want to be the best we can be individually, but also as a team. It's very exciting to see the women's team, and our men's team, increase in the rankings these past few years. It's an exciting time to be a part of Taylor cross country, and as cheesy as it sounds, I wouldn't trade it for anything."
The Trojans race again tomorrow when they travel to Grand Rapids to compete in the Great Lakes Invite.
Photograph provided by TU Sports Information Department
