Lady Cougars Finish 6th at Nationals
November 3, 2018 the Cougars traveled to Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts to compete in the NJCAA Division III Cross Country National Championship.
This year the adverse conditions due to many consecutive days of rain in Massachusetts lead to a course of standing water, mud, and poor footing. All competitors also had to deal with on and off downpours throughout both races.
The women's 5k had 37 teams on the starting line and the Lady Cougars came away with the highest finish in school history by finishing in 6th place. Freshman Sara Loew ended her season by earning 2nd Team NJCAA All-American honors with a 7th place finish in 20:03*. Sara was also named by the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as the NJCAA Division III Cross Country Women Athlete of the Year, for the East Region. Freshman Autumn Baldini has been the Lady Cougars number 2 runner throughout the entire season ran 21:56* to place 22nd, Freshman Betzabel A. Delos Santos Trinidad finished 37th place in 23:00**, Freshman Emily Santana was close behind in 40th place at 23:12*, and Freshman Nicole Mattern kicked in to finish 45th in 24:18, to complete the women's team scoring. Head Coach Wayne Merkh was named NJCAA Division III East Region Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year by the US Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association.
* season's best time
** personal best
"We would like to thank the parents, families, and friends, despite some very difficult weather conditions for their tremendous support throughout the season. The coaches would also like to thank Athletic Director Bill Banks, and Athletic Secretary Cathie Yocum-Glikas for their behind the scene efforts that make our season's success possible, and to the athletic coaches for their interest and support. Lastly Michele and I would like to thank and are grateful for the support of our "alumni family" for their attendance at our races, providing the majority of the pictures we post, and for volunteering their personal time to help train our runners in the summer and fall. Their commitment to Camden County Cross Country will always be cherished!" - Wayne Merkh, Head Cross Country Coach