Olivet invite showcase harriers’ teamwork

By Brodee Gillam

Sports Editor

The Olivet Invitational is usually a great race to project the potential of the men's and women's LCC cross country teams.

This year, both teams look to be just as formidable, if not more so, this year.

LCC Head Coach Jim Robinson said the mentality behind the way the Stars run is a key to their success.

"There is a difference between running hard and running fast," Robinson said "To be able to sustain running fast, for 5K for the women and an 8K for the guys, you have to be relaxed.

"It might seem like those two things don't go together – being relaxed and running fast – but they really do."

The women finished with eight harriers in the top 15 of the 5K race on Sept. 1.

The top finishers for the Stars were freshman Kirsten McGahan, with a first-place time of 18:50, and sophomore Ashley Lindeman, who placed second in 19:01.

McGahan said running with her teammates has pushed her abilities to another level.

"Training alone will only get you so far," McGahan said. "It has been refreshing to finally run with the team and … the mentality that I'm not in it alone has helped enhance my confidence in my ability."

LCC harriers in the men's 5K race did not disappoint either, also ending with eight runners in the top 15.

Sophomore Blake Watson, who did not run cross country last season, led the Stars' pack and finished second overall with a time of 15:34. Fellow sophomore Shawn Bell was right behind Watson, placing third at 16 minutes flat.

Bell said he agrees with McGahan; that running in packs elevates the whole team.

"Group running helps a lot with being able to feel the support of your teammates," Bell said. "They are going through the same thing as you, so it is encouraging when you have them there with you."

Both the LCC men and women's next scheduled meet is the Spartan Invitational at Forest Akers Golf Course on Friday, Sept. 15. The women start running at 11:40 a.m. and the men start at 12:15 p.m.