Though the women’s cross-country team remains the only team to win the Empire 8 Conference Championship after its first-place finish Saturday, it is still looking to earn recognition at the regional and national levels.
New faces have led the women’s cross-country team to three first- place finishes this season.
The Bombers’ athletic programs have seen many generations compete with, and against, one another. But for senior distance runner Molly Quinn, cross country and track and field competitions are a family affair.
Senior cross country runner Alissa Kersey’s accolades range from MVP of her high school team to a two-time all-conference team selection. Kersey recently added yet another title to her résumé when she completed the Boston Marathon on April 18.
The women’s cross country team is gearing up to make a run at the postseason and a potential 11th straight trip to the NCAA Championships. Despite injuries to several key runners this season, the team has stayed the course because runners have stepped up to the challenge of leading the team.
Junior Heidi Baumbach was named the 2008 Empire 8 Rookie of the Year, honored with a spot on the all-state second team and was named to the all-conference team as a freshman. But entering her third season on the women’s cross country team, Baumbach had yet to win her first collegiate race.
Labor Day weekend is not a typical weekend for the women’s cross country team at Ithaca College. This holiday weekend is one of the most special times for the team, as past, present and even some future Bombers come together to celebrate the cross country program and the life of one legendary Bomber whose life was cut short.
