Despite loss, Cross Country grows closer as a team from Alaska trip

On their trip to Alaska to race against the University of Alaska-Anchorage, Slippery Rock's cross country team experienced much more than a typical cross country meet.

Along with the Thursday race, the team experienced seeing moose in Kincaid Park, hiking to the top of Flattop Mountain, exploring the breathtaking Matanuska glacier, spending an evening at the Alaskan State Fair, running and climbing in Denali National Park, seeing Mount McKinley and visiting the Sea Life Center in the port city of Seward.

All the athletes had a fantastic time and were grateful to have the opportunity to go on a trip like this, according to junior Abby Michaelian.

"It was a great experience both on and off the course," Michaelian said. "I'm so thankful we had the chance to go because that's something I'll probably never have a chance to do again in my life."

They were chaperoned by head coach John Papa, and assistant coaches Meagan Cook, Bill Jordan and Chris Sherve.

 Senior captain Caitlin Hancox enjoyed the experience and said that it was great to visit such a remarkable place with her team.

 "Alaska was such a beautiful place to see," Hancox said. "It was an amazing trip and an all-around great experience for the team."  

Senior Erica Aldrich said that the trip was a fantastic experience and that it helped the team to become closer with each other.

"The experience was incredible and Alaska is completely worth visiting," Aldrich said. "Our team is still getting our feet wet as far as this season as concerned. Overall, we are happy with how we performed against a high caliber team like the University of Alaska-Anchorage."

Both teams raced the 5K course at Kincaid Park on Sept 1.

The 8th place-ranked girls' team fell short, losing 48-15 to Alaska-Anchorage.  

Junior Stephanie Case was the first SRU runner to cross the finish line.  She was sixth overall with a time of 19:02.

Overcoming an injury, senior Kara Styles was the next SRU runner in, placing 10th overall with a time of 19:30. This is her first cross country race since high school.  

She was followed  by newcoming freshman Janine Powis placing in 12th (19:52), with junior Abby Michaelian right behind, taking 13th (19:52), and Hancox finishing 14th (19:58).

On the mens' side, junior captain Eric Geddis said, "The guys used the race as a workout, since we got off our flight the day before, and we went hiking at Flattop that morning."  

The 6th place-ranked boys' team lost to the Seawolves by a score of 46-16.  

The team's first runner in was sophomore Travis Arrigoni, who finished sixth place overall with a time of 15:45.  

Junior Alex Koksal placed ninth, crossing the line at 16:07, followed by sophomore Michael Beegle who took 11th (16:16).  Freshman Chris Grooms took 16th place (16:40), and sophomore Joe Hickey finished 17th (17:01).  

The teams will be back in action on September 16 at the Mack Cooper Classic on their home course at the Cooper's Lake Campground.