Elon University’s women’s cross country team has once again made headlines. This year, they captured their sixth championship in seven years, dominating the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) on a chilly Friday morning at Ocean County Park in Lakewood, New Jersey.
Leading the charge was Katie Blount. She became the individual champion with a time of 19:55.0, finishing more than six seconds ahead of her closest competitor. Blount’s victory marked her as Elon’s first CAA individual champion since 2021. Over the years, Elon has produced several champions, including names like Meg Crawford and Scolasticah Kemei.
The team itself showed remarkable strength. A record seven runners finished in the top 15, gaining All-CAA honors. Joining Blount were Abby Beville, who finished third, and Hannah Weber in fourth. Both runners achieved personal records, showcasing their growth and competitive spirit.
Elon finished with an impressive 28 points, outpacing William & Mary by a hefty 40 points. This win is significant, as it’s the most substantial margin in the CAA since their 2020 victory. The competition was fierce, with Northeastern, Monmouth, and College of Charleston rounding out the top five.
This title also marks a new chapter for the team under head coach Mark Rinker, who is in his second year. “It feels great to bring home the title,” Rinker said. “It’s a testament to our hard work and determination.”
In the men’s competition, Elon finished seventh. Senior Nate Mars led the pack, clocking a personal-best time of 25:02.4. This achievement isn’t just a personal milestone; it reflects a broader trend in college athletics, where many athletes are hitting new records as training methods evolve.
Statistics indicate that more than 50% of college athletes nationwide have reported achieving personal records in recent years, driven by advancements in technology and coaching techniques.
The Elon’s women’s team has now claimed seven overall conference titles, which includes five consecutive CAA championships from 2019 to 2023 and a South Atlantic Conference title in 1996.
With a mix of history, talent, and team spirit, Elon’s future looks bright. Keep an eye on this program as they continue to rise in the collegiate athletics landscape.
For more details, you can explore the full story on the Elon Athletics website.
