Schrag qualifies for nationals at the KCAC Championship race
Both the Thresher men and women finished sixth to end their season
LEAVENWORTH — The Threshers men’s and women’s cross country team wrapped up their season at the KCAC conference meet this past weekend and found a way to send a potential first-ever national qualifier on the women’s side.
The men’s team competed well with strong finishes in the top 50. The entire meet was led by Saint Mary and Kansas Wesleyan with stragglers from other schools in between. Marcus Fiedler finished 42nd (27:35.9), and Tobin Wise finished 48th (27:56.0). Luke Schmidt got 49th (28:02.7) to finish up the top 50 spots for the Threshers. Braden Esau placed 61st (28:29.3), Matthew Fleck placed 94th (31:05.0), Seth Balzer placed 105th (33:17.0), and Simon Hodge placed 111th (34:12.7), finishing the men’s team score at 191 and taking sixth place to wrap the season up.
“The conditions of the race made this a fun course to finish my career on,” said senior Wise from Pleasant Hill, Mo. “It was super muddy on top of the hills which made the times a lot slower than normal. I was hoping to go under 27 minutes and get a national qualifier spot and unfortunately that didn't happen. I can't believe my cross country career is over but I'm thankful for all the memories that this sport has given me.”
On the women’s side, the results were astonishing. Bethany Schrag placed 21st (24:31.8), Emma Graber placed 45th (26:26.3), Cleo Naranjo placed 48th (26:41.6), Taryn Paulino placed 53th (26:53.2), Sydney Hart placed 87th (31:58.4), Kaylee Carty placed 107th (38:37.0), and Gabriella Stone did not finish the race. The team score was 195 and left them in 6th place. The main story for the women’s Threshers is the national qualifier, Schrag, who placed high enough to qualify and will be competing at the national meet.
“I’m really happy with today’s results,” said junior Schrag from Valley Center. “Both teams did extremely well and we broke through a lot of mental barriers today given the circumstances. Consistent training and consistent support really helped me make it. Putting my trust into my coach and his training plan is also what really helped me make it. Overall, I couldn't have done it without my amazing teammates and coaches.”
Head coach Julio Martinez had this to say about the weekend:
“In 2016, Coach Martinez etched his name in Bethel history as the first men’s national qualifier in cross country, achieving this milestone at the St. Mary’s conference meet,” said head coach Julio Martinez. “Fast forward eight years, and at that same St. Mary’s meet, he’s now coaching a potential first-ever national qualifier on the women’s side. The journey from 2016 to now highlights how far Bethel cross country has come.
Our men’s team entered the conference meet ranked 8th in the preseason and exceeded expectations, finishing 6th overall, with a strong effort led by sophomore Marcus Fiedler. The middle pack ran with determination, contributing significantly to our 6th place finish.
The women’s team also improved on their preseason rank, finishing 6th. Bethany Schrag led the way with a personal record and a new school record, resetting the 6k record with an outstanding time. Our freshman ladies, who have been overcoming injuries all season, stepped up when it counted the most and played a pivotal role in today’s success.
Both our men’s and women’s teams were honored as this year's Team of Character recipients. Today, our program grew stronger, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum. We are proud of our athletes, not only for their athletic achievements but for the quality of character they show every day.”
It’s been an honor writing about this team and this season, and wrapping up the season for the teams, individual accomplishments are not over. Bethany Schrag will compete in two weeks at the NAIA National Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Mo.