History Made at NJCAA Nationals!

It was the end of their ICC cross country careers for sophomores Billy Miller, Darce Knapp, and Michael Donini, but it was a couple of freshmen women that entered the record books at the NJCAA Division I national championships held at sunny, warm Spartanburg, SC.

Led by Brittany Carius, who set a school record of 18:43 and became the first Cougar NJCAA Cross Country All-American, the women's team finished in 11th place and tied the highest finish ever for an ICC women's Cross Country team. Finishing behind Brittany in 29th place was Alyssa Imig, who ran 19:36, the 4th fastest ICC time ever, and earned a Coaches' Association All-American award for being one of the top 25 American citizens to finish the race. Brit and Alyssa become the second and third ICC women to earn this distinction. Not to be outdone, Carrie Bunting ran a PR of 20:24 to finish in 68th place. This was the 11th fastest time ever by a Cougar woman. Backing up the top 3 were Bonni Martin in 103rd place, Olivia Coker in 125th, Elizabeth Isbell in 154th, and Darce Knapp in 171st place. There were 33 teams and 246 finishers.

The men's team, led by Billy Miller's 27:22 in 80th place, finished 20th of the 32 teams. Billy was followed closely by Frederick Kiprono, who ran a season best of 27:31 in 89th place, and Shane Leiby, who clocked 27:43 in 104th. Michael Donini in 133rd, Robert Deatherage in 145th, Kyle Lueken in 172nd, and Cory Shoopman in 182nd completed the team. There were 253 men finishers.

With 6 of the 7 women and 6 of the top 8 men returning next year, expectations are high for a lofty team finish when ICC hosts nationals next year.

Save the date: Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Newman Golf Course. Note: This is one week AFTER the IHSA state meet at Detweiller, so there is no conflict. Alumni: We would love to have you come back to help. Contact Coach Herold (Gherold@icc.edu) if you are able and willing.