Northwestern University Athletics
'Cats Set Personal Records in Champaign
4/11/2022 6:40:00 PM | Women's Cross Country & Track
CHAMPAIGN IL–The Wildcats stayed in-state and competed in the second meet of the outdoor track season at the Illini Classic. Every 'Cat who competed set a new personal record. The 1500m and 5000m meter races were originally scheduled to take place on Friday night, but were pushed to Saturday due to predicted snow and wind. Instead, the 'Cats lined up in prime racing conditions that Coach Jill Miller compared to California weather – conveniently, where the team will race next.
Sophomore Emily Casaclang led the 'Cats in the first section of the 1500m with a personal best of 4:31.62, good enough to earn a spot as the 5th fastest to run the distance in Northwestern's history. In the same heat, senior Hannah Hall also ran her fastest time in 4:39.35. Also in the 1500m, junior Olivia Verbeke and freshman Audrey Bannister clocked in at 4:44.50 and 4:59.05 respectively.
"It was really exciting to race the 1500m again, it's my favorite track race," Casaclang said. "The shorter race always means different tactics and today a few girls went down in a pretty aggressive race. Nonetheless, I was happy with a PR and some new lessons learnt."
In the 5000m, sophomore Katherine Hessler placed 5th overall and knocked 5 seconds off of her personal best by running a 17:15.51. Running their first 5000 on the track, junior Elizabeth Bulat (17:35.69), freshman Whitney Currie (17:39.62), and freshman Fiona Lenth (17:45.77) each ran personal bests.
"I wanted to run strategically to stay with the top of the race, and I accomplished that goal," Hessler said. "I felt like I pushed myself to be as competitive as possible."
The 'Cats will be traveling to California this coming week to compete at Mt. SAC Relays and the Bryan Clay Invite. With only a few days to rest and recover, the 'Cats are celebrating this weekend's performances while also setting new goals for the coming week.
LINK TO RESULTS:
https://results.shazamracing.com/meets/14615
Sophomore Emily Casaclang led the 'Cats in the first section of the 1500m with a personal best of 4:31.62, good enough to earn a spot as the 5th fastest to run the distance in Northwestern's history. In the same heat, senior Hannah Hall also ran her fastest time in 4:39.35. Also in the 1500m, junior Olivia Verbeke and freshman Audrey Bannister clocked in at 4:44.50 and 4:59.05 respectively.
"It was really exciting to race the 1500m again, it's my favorite track race," Casaclang said. "The shorter race always means different tactics and today a few girls went down in a pretty aggressive race. Nonetheless, I was happy with a PR and some new lessons learnt."
In the 5000m, sophomore Katherine Hessler placed 5th overall and knocked 5 seconds off of her personal best by running a 17:15.51. Running their first 5000 on the track, junior Elizabeth Bulat (17:35.69), freshman Whitney Currie (17:39.62), and freshman Fiona Lenth (17:45.77) each ran personal bests.
"I wanted to run strategically to stay with the top of the race, and I accomplished that goal," Hessler said. "I felt like I pushed myself to be as competitive as possible."
The 'Cats will be traveling to California this coming week to compete at Mt. SAC Relays and the Bryan Clay Invite. With only a few days to rest and recover, the 'Cats are celebrating this weekend's performances while also setting new goals for the coming week.
LINK TO RESULTS:
https://results.shazamracing.com/meets/14615
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
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