Cross Country team finishes season strong

Montcalm Community College’s Cross Country team competed in the MCCAA conference and NJCAA Regional Championships on Friday, Oct. 27. The championships were both NJCAA DII and DIII teams and consisted of 92 runners on the women's side. Overall, the women's team finished 11th place out of 15. 

Annette Fare finished 20th overall with a time of 21:34.4, Elizabeth Sheahan finished 43rd overall with a time of 23:26.0, Carley Lynch finished 53rd overall with a time of 24:25.7, Alyssa Unger finished 68th overall with a time of 26:11.9, and Georgia Jurden finished 73rd overall with a time of 27:30.1. 

Andrew Hardy was the only runner on the men’s team to compete. He finished 35th overall with a time of 28:51.2 out of 120 runners. 

Coach Kevin Sweeney said the course was wet, and in some areas muddy. He said it made for a slower run, but much more fun. 

Sweeney reflected on the first season of cross country in 40 years at MCC.  

“I couldn't be happier,” he said. “Everyone worked hard, got along well and gave 100%. It was great to see our runners mature in not only athletics and academics, but as people as well.” 

The team is not allowed to practice until March 1, where they will have conditioning from March 1 through May 1. The next season kicks off again on Aug. 1, 2024.  

If anyone is interested in running cross country at MCC please contact coach Kevin Sweeney at 616-863-0669 or kevin.sweeney@montcalm.edu.