Women's cross country garners third place at Baylor Invitational

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by Alex Chapman

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Leading the way for the Owls was sophomore Sheila Madigan, who finished 1:59 behind winner Katie Swords of Southern Methodist University.

Madigan's performance earned her 14th place overall.

Freshman Kari Vigerstol, the second Rice runner to cross the line, finished right behind Madigan in 15th place.

Junior Alex Gajewski was 21st, freshman Shaquanda Roberson placed 24th and freshman Heather Howard finished 34th.

The Invitaional had a total 79 runners participating.

Also running in the meet, but not part of the official scoring, were sophomore Alexis Smith, who finished 54th and sophomore Rebecca Nugent, who finished 62nd.

The Owls were forced to run in grueling conditions, described by members of the team as the hottest day and toughest course of any competition yet this year.

Regarding her absence, Eklof said that she would be back soon.

"I'm coming off an injury training this summer, so the coach wants to work me back into racing slowly," she said.

"I competed in the meet on Sept. 6 (University of Houston Open) and I'll be competing in the Rice Invitational this week."

Eklof is expected to make a full recovery.

Swank was busy interviewing for medical school and was unable to make the trip.

Southern Methodist University won the meet, followed by host Baylor and Rice.

Other competing teams, in descending order of finish, were the University of Texas-San Antonio, the University of North Texas, Southwest Texas State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, the University of Texas and Texas Christian University.

Third-year runner Gajewski was satisfied with the Owls' performance.

"The freshmen performed very well," she said.

"This could be the strongest freshman class in recent school history. Their mental toughness and focus is what sets them apart from past years."

Assistant track coach Jim Bevans, who works with the women's cross country team, also commented on how well he thought the three true freshmen ran at the meet.

"I am very excited and happy they are doing a good job," he said. "They have a bright future here."

This meet was important for the Owls because they have to return to the same course on Oct. 30 to defend their Southwest Conference championship, the first women's title in Rice history.

"If we all stay healthy, I think we can repeat as conference champions," Gajewski said.

The Owls continue their quest to defend their title tomorrow on campus at the Rice Invitational.

The women begin their competition at 9 a.m. in front of the gymnasium.

Although no teams from the SWC are competing, strong teams from the area such as Louisiana State University and Lamar University will attend.

Bevans said, "It's nice to run a race where you are used to training."

Last year Rice dominated the event, placing four of the top five runners as the Owls easily captured the team title.

This item appeared in the Sports section of the September 22, 1995 issue.

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