Posted: Nov 10, 2013
MARSHALL, Mo. - Central Methodist qualified three runners Saturday for the NAIA National Championship, placing second as a team at the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Championships.
Sophomore Emily Nealley led the Eagle finishers across the line, placing fifth overall with a time of 19:46.56. Senior Adriana Romero (20.00.58, eighth overall) and junior Hailey Breusch (20:01.89, ninth overall) joined Nealley in booking their tickets to the 34th Annual Women's Cross Country National Championship on November 23.
Senior Elise Schreiber (20:40.50, 15th overall) and freshman Megan Greener (20:53.68, 17th overall) were the last two Eagle scorers.
Nealley, Romero, Breusch and Schreiber earned All-HAAC honors.
The Eagles had defeated Baker (Kan.) to win the last two conference titles but were unable to do so a third time in a row, succumbing to a tough and experienced Wildcats' squad.
"With the past two years of having success, we would obviously have liked to go out there and win another title, but they fought hard," said Eagles' coach Chris Sandefur. "Even though we didn't get a full team there, three national qualifiers is definitely a big achievement.
The trip to nationals will be Romero's third straight. Sandefur highlighted that as an impressive achievement, especially because Romero considers herself a stronger track than cross country athlete.
"To be able to qualify the last three years in cross country is huge," he said. "She's been a great part of our program and a great leader."
Romero, Nealley and Breusch will toe the line for nationals at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kan. They have already competed on the course once, at the NAIA Pre-National Meet October 12. Sandefur believes this could prove to be a big advantage.
"They've run at the course already so they know exactly what to expect. I think that we could have some special moments."
