Ball State University Athletics
Underclassmen Pace Cross Country Cardinals to Promising Start at Sam Bell Invitiational
September 04, 2026 | Cross Country
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.— A strong showing from a mixture of old and new faces paced the Cross Country Cardinals to a promising start to the new season at the Sam Bell Invitational.
Sophomores Emily Decker (14:27.2) and Kaitlyn Kauppila (14:29.8) led the way for Ball State in 15th and 16th place, separated by only two seconds. Freshman Carla Rodriguez (14:45.2) was the next Cardinal to cross the finish line in 21st with sophomore Sadey Seyferth (14:51.1) less than six seconds behind her in 22nd.
Freshman Abra Mills (15:13.1) rounded out the top five for Ball State in 26th place and was followed by fellow freshman Ava Dickenson (15:25.4) in 27th. Senior transfer Elaina Lahmers came home in 31st place and freshman Gemma Pusateri rounded out the Cardinals in 32nd, meaning each athlete finished just ahead or behind a teammate.
"Today was a good first step for our team," said Coach Adrian Wheatley. "We established a baseline and gained valuable race experience. We'll use what we learned as we prepare for Western Michigan, where we'll compete on the same course that will host the conference championships."
Next up for the Cardinals is the George Dales Invite in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Sep. 18.
Sophomores Emily Decker (14:27.2) and Kaitlyn Kauppila (14:29.8) led the way for Ball State in 15th and 16th place, separated by only two seconds. Freshman Carla Rodriguez (14:45.2) was the next Cardinal to cross the finish line in 21st with sophomore Sadey Seyferth (14:51.1) less than six seconds behind her in 22nd.
Freshman Abra Mills (15:13.1) rounded out the top five for Ball State in 26th place and was followed by fellow freshman Ava Dickenson (15:25.4) in 27th. Senior transfer Elaina Lahmers came home in 31st place and freshman Gemma Pusateri rounded out the Cardinals in 32nd, meaning each athlete finished just ahead or behind a teammate.
"Today was a good first step for our team," said Coach Adrian Wheatley. "We established a baseline and gained valuable race experience. We'll use what we learned as we prepare for Western Michigan, where we'll compete on the same course that will host the conference championships."
Next up for the Cardinals is the George Dales Invite in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Sep. 18.
Players Mentioned
XC
/ Cross Country
XC
/ Cross Country
XC
/ Cross Country
XC
/ Cross Country
XC
/ Cross Country
XC
/ Cross Country
XC
/ Cross Country
XC
/ Cross CountryThursday, August 27
Thursday, August 27
Monday, August 24
Wednesday, August 19