Firebird runners raise the bar, set new school record
Issue date: 11/6/06 Section: Sports
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Kirtland Community College mens and womens cross country teams have raised the bar for 2007 and beyond, with Firebird runners setting new school records for both teams at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XII Cross Country Champion-ships in Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 21.
Kirtland sophomore Liz Stempki (St. Ignace LaSalle) broke the old Lady Firebirds' mark, set in 2003, by finishing the 5K race in 22 minutes, 43 seconds. That was good enough for 30th overall, out of a field of 51 runners.
"She just did an outstanding job, especially considering the conditions," said KCC first-year head coach Steve Seager.
Seager said poor weather conditions were definitely a factor, with runners having to not only battle each other for position, but a misty rain as well.
Not to be outdone, Firebird freshman Michael Welch (Mio) crossed the finish line in the mens 8K event in a new school record of 30:26, good for 49th place overall out of 66 runners.
"Michael ended up setting the bar for future runners," Seager said. "I think that record will stay there a while. But Michael is saying he wants to come back next year and lower that some more."
Overall, the Kirtland cross country squads struggled in the team standings. Both teams finished last in their respective divisions, as the Firebirds top five runners combined for sixth place (185 points) and Lady Firebirds finished seventh (179 points).
But the team standings weren't as important to Seager, considering the fact that every Firebird runner on both squads posted improved times at the regional final.
"Everyone took time off their original times," Seager said. "They peaked well for the last meet.
In the womens race, Stempki was followed by teammates Tiera Derrick-Jones (freshman, Detroit Northwester - 39th, 24:37), Alyssa Loney (freshman, Houghton Lake - 43rd, 25:14), Courtney Cole (freshman, Houghton Lake - 28:21) and Natalie Foster (sophomore, Houghton Lake - 49th, 29:16).
The Firebirds were closely packed together in the mens race. Sophomore Sal Kabara (Elden Academy) was the second Kirtland runner to cross the finish line (56th, 32:58), followed by teammates Chris Beltz (sophomore, Roscommon - 60th, 34:04), Jerry Follot (freshman, Northwestern, MD - 64th, 36:48) and Justin Green (freshman, Roscommon - 66th, 36:55).
"The men and the women had a very strong meet," Seager said. "The goal this year was to build for the success of next year, to build a foundation," he added. "That was my goal as coach."
Seager and the Firebirds might have a helping hand in building the cross country program at Kirtland, with scholarships possibly being available starting next fall. KCC officials are still working to finalize the details regarding the potential scholarships.
For complete Region XII race results, visit online at www.njcaaregion12.org.
Kirtland sophomore Liz Stempki (St. Ignace LaSalle) broke the old Lady Firebirds' mark, set in 2003, by finishing the 5K race in 22 minutes, 43 seconds. That was good enough for 30th overall, out of a field of 51 runners.
"She just did an outstanding job, especially considering the conditions," said KCC first-year head coach Steve Seager.
Seager said poor weather conditions were definitely a factor, with runners having to not only battle each other for position, but a misty rain as well.
Not to be outdone, Firebird freshman Michael Welch (Mio) crossed the finish line in the mens 8K event in a new school record of 30:26, good for 49th place overall out of 66 runners.
"Michael ended up setting the bar for future runners," Seager said. "I think that record will stay there a while. But Michael is saying he wants to come back next year and lower that some more."
Overall, the Kirtland cross country squads struggled in the team standings. Both teams finished last in their respective divisions, as the Firebirds top five runners combined for sixth place (185 points) and Lady Firebirds finished seventh (179 points).
But the team standings weren't as important to Seager, considering the fact that every Firebird runner on both squads posted improved times at the regional final.
"Everyone took time off their original times," Seager said. "They peaked well for the last meet.
In the womens race, Stempki was followed by teammates Tiera Derrick-Jones (freshman, Detroit Northwester - 39th, 24:37), Alyssa Loney (freshman, Houghton Lake - 43rd, 25:14), Courtney Cole (freshman, Houghton Lake - 28:21) and Natalie Foster (sophomore, Houghton Lake - 49th, 29:16).
The Firebirds were closely packed together in the mens race. Sophomore Sal Kabara (Elden Academy) was the second Kirtland runner to cross the finish line (56th, 32:58), followed by teammates Chris Beltz (sophomore, Roscommon - 60th, 34:04), Jerry Follot (freshman, Northwestern, MD - 64th, 36:48) and Justin Green (freshman, Roscommon - 66th, 36:55).
"The men and the women had a very strong meet," Seager said. "The goal this year was to build for the success of next year, to build a foundation," he added. "That was my goal as coach."
Seager and the Firebirds might have a helping hand in building the cross country program at Kirtland, with scholarships possibly being available starting next fall. KCC officials are still working to finalize the details regarding the potential scholarships.
For complete Region XII race results, visit online at www.njcaaregion12.org.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Michael Welch
posted 11/21/06 @ 12:57 PM EST
hey this is a pretty sweet write up...there will be more next year when i smash my record by 5 minutes..u can quote me on that too..
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