Ball State University
NCAA Great Lakes Regional
Cross Country Closes 2024 Season with a Strong Regional Performance
November 15, 2024 | Cross Country
NORTON, Ohio – The Ball State Cross Country team competed in their final race of the season Friday morning at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional meet in Norton, Ohio.Â
In an impressive close to the season, the Cardinals finished 17th of 32 teams receiving a combined score of 489. This is the Cardinals highest placement in the Great Lakes Region since 2007 when they finished ninth overall.
"I'm incredibly proud of how the girls finished out the season," said distance coach Rachel Nichwitz. "To have six personal bests and another season's best time at the end of the season is everything I could have asked for. This whole season they have continued to get better as a unit and to cap it off with one of the program's best finishes at regionals is awesome."
There were six personal best performances on the Silver Creek Metro Park course. Carly Spletzer led the powerful Cardinal squad, beating her previous personal best time by over 30 seconds and finishing in 20:52.2. Â
Finishing second for the Cardinals and also running 30 seconds faster than her previous career-best was Sarah Mahnensmith. Mahnensmith crossed the finish line with a time of 21:00.5. Â
Evie Noel crossed the finish line next, followed by Shelby Christman. Noel ran a personal best time of 21:25.6 and Christman ran a personal best time of 21:38.1. Â
Also finishing with career bests were Jessica Velez and Tori Jackson. Velez ran a new best time of 22:08.1, followed by Jackson's best time of 22:23.6. Â
Rounding out the Ball State competitors was Jenna Schifferer. Schifferer ran a season best time of 22:52.1, over 20 seconds faster than her last race (MAC Championships). Â
"I am super proud of our young ladies, especially our seniors who have been a huge part of this program for four years," said head coach Adrian Wheatley. "They embrace and are committed to each other. Through their commitment, they have done something that has not been done in the last 16 years. We are encouraged by the direction of the cross country program and are super excited to see where the future lies." Â
The team will now shift their focus to the indoor track and field season.Â
Ball State Individual ResultsÂ
63rd – Carly Spletzer – 20:52.2 Â
78th – Sarah Mahnensmith – 21:00.5Â
97th – Evie Noel – 21:25.6
112th – Shelby Christman – 21:38.1
143rd – Jessica Velez - 22:08.1Â
156th – Tori Jackson – 22:23.6 Â
178th – Jenna Schifferer – 22:52.1 Â
Players Mentioned
