The nation's top cross-country teams met in Terre Haute, Ind. on the LaVern Gibson championship course to establish early-season position at the NCAA Pre-Nationals. The weekend's results, however, may or may not reflect what will go down at Nationals in late November.
Traditionally the largest race in the country, the meet this year hosted 168 men's and women's teams, comprising nearly 1400 runners. Overall, six races took place at the Wabash Valley Sports Center's 6K and 8K courses. Colorado's harriers took first in both the men's and women's races, posting outstanding times and establishing dominance among the nation's top teams.
Dartmouth's teams ran outstandingly this weekend as well. The Dartmouth men placed two runners in the top 60 individuals of the blue race. Ben True '08 placed 32nd for the Big Green, covering the 8K courses in 24:38.4. Steve Mucchetti '06 posted the second-fastest time for Dartmouth, finishing in 57th place with a time of 24:50.3.
Seniors Quinn Thomas and Noah Kaufman also scored for the Big Green. The Dartmouth men finished 17th out of 37 teams with a score of 394.
On the women's side, the performances were equally impressive. While Colorado took the white race with 94 points, Dartmouth put two runners in the top 40. Melanie Schorr '06 covered the 6K course in 21:06, which was good for a 19th place finish. Filling out the Dartmouth women's top two places was freshman Susan Dunklee, whose time of 21:23 netted her a 38th place finish. Overall, the women placed 15th out of 36 teams with 451 points.
With such a big meet behind them, and especially considering the weekend's excellent performances, the team will now bear down for strength-building and speed work. The season culminates at Nationals -- also held Terre Haute -- on Nov. 22. The Big Green will race in the Mayor's Cup at Boston's Franklin Park next week.
