Johns Hopkins claims its fifth title in six years.
The Basics
• Score: 1st of 32 (96 pts.)
• Location: Elsha, IL.
• The Short Story: The Johns Hopkins women’s cross country team won its second straight title and fifth in six years on Saturday afternoon on the campus of Principia College.
Johns Hopkins University captures 2017 NCAA Division III Women's Cross Country National Title! Congratulations @HopkinsSports pic.twitter.com/CiHsX5G3Va
— NCAA Division III (@NCAADIII) November 18, 2017
How it Happened
• Ellie Clawson stayed with the lead runners all race and finished the race in third with a time of 20:47.00. She was just under two second behind second place finisher Bryn McKillop of C-M-S who finished in 20:45.90.
• Coming in 23rd was Natalia LaSpada with a mark of 21:19.30 while freshman Therese Olshanski finished in 29th with a time of 21:27.70.
• Felicia Koerner was the fifth finisher for the Blue Jays, finishing the race in 42nd with a time of 21:40.20.
• Rebecca Grusby finished 48th with a time of 21:46.00 while Caroline Smith finished in 21:53.30 for 56th place.
• Tasha Freed completed the race in 22:22.70.
• Clawson, LaSpada, and Olshanski all earned All American honors for their top-40 finished.
• JHU finished 95 points ahead of second place Wis.-Eau Claire and put its top-seven roster in front of 30 of 31 other teams top-five.
MORE: DIII Women's Cross Country Championship history | 2017 Results
Head Coach Bobby Van Allen
• “It was a very fast race and we accepted the feeling of being uncomfortable early on. We thrived on the excitement of what we could accomplish.”
• “Ellie had a pretty unbelievable year. From not being in the top-50 last year to being third this year in a deep field it’s incredible and a testament to her. She puts in the work and is always positive and always smiling.”
• “Watching the interactions the team has with one another is the most rewarding part of my job. For them to be able to experience a moment like this makes my day.”
• “They fuel off each other’s positive energy. All throughout the trip they were positive and upbeat. Everyone had a great attitude and the leadership was great. Every person on the team played a big role in its success, and a lot of that success is due to the team’s positive attitude."
