Moraine Valley women's cross country tops conference and region; headed to nationals

The Cyclones blew into the combined Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region IV Division I championships on Oct. 25 and left with two titles in tow and a host of individual honors. The team will compete in the NJCAA Division I championship on November 8 in Lubbock, Texas.

The Cyclones topped nine other teams for their third Region IV crown. The women’s team also captured titles in 2003 and 2006.

Aileen Gorman (Marist) crossed the line first for the Region IV titlists, finishing in third place in 19:28 over the 5K course at St. James Farm in Warrenville. She was followed by Abby Correa (Oak Forest) in 10th in 20:55, Crystal Flores (Argo) in 12th in 21:17, Jackie Navarette (Shepard) in 15th in 21:53, Amy Miller (Shepard) in 24th in 22:03, Sarah McCann (Marist) in 36th in 23:17, Jessica Flores (Argo) in 37th in 23:17, Tonie Wasco (Sandburg) in 53rd in 25:03, and Jessica Pinkos (Sandburg) in 65th in 33:24. There were 66 runners in the race. Gorman, Correa, Crystal Flores, and Navarette earned All-Region IV honors.

In also taking the conference championship, besting six other teams, the women claimed their fourth crown.

Gorman finished in third place. She was followed by Correa in seventh, Crystal Flores in eighth, Navarette in 10th, Miller in 13th, McCann in 16th, Jessica Flores in 17th, Wasco in 24th, and Pinkos in 33rd place. There were 34 runners in the race. Gorman, Correa, Crystal Flores, and Navarette earned All-Conference honors.

“We are thrilled for the girls,” said Coach Mark Horstmeyer. “We told them that they would have to be at their best, and they were exactly that. It truly was a team effort. They are a very special group of runners. And now they have the opportunity to take part on the biggest stage in their lives—competing at the national championship. We couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Horstmeyer lauded Gorman for her outstanding work in leading the team all year. “Aileen is just super—she has had to battle injuries all season, and she came through in the clutch. She’s so focused and committed to improving. She’s special.” Gorman is a two-time first team all-conference and all-region selection. This will be her second trip to nationals.

“Our core strength this year has been our number 2 through 7 runners, and they showed that again. They knew what their role was and what they would have to do if we were going to take home the prize,” Horstmeyer said. “They came through. Abby, Crystal and Jackie are to be commended for earning all-conference and all-region. Amy, Sarah and Jess also pulled through for us in a big way. We are really pleased with their performance.”

Horstmeyer also commended Wasco and Pinkos. “Tonie continued to improve throughout the season—she has an outstanding work ethic, and as she continues to work, she’ll continue to be successful. Jessica has come a long way since the start of the season when she was still having to deal with her recovery from major knee surgery due to an injury she suffered last spring in track. She just kept at it. We’re really proud of her,” Horstmeyer said.