After the Presidents’ Athletic Conference meet on Nov. 2, both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams have one last chance to achieve their season goals at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional meet.

The women’s team finished seventh at the PAC meet, but their goals remain high as they approach regionals.

“All season, we have been battling different obstacles, and it hasn’t been easy for anyone,” junior Grace Tanksley said. “But we have to go into this next race believing that we can do it, no matter how hard or painful it is.”

Head coach Chris Hardie is proud of the women’s team and their efforts this season. He said that he sees no need to make significant changes before the final team race, focusing instead on preparing by keeping the team fresh.

“The only thing we’re kind of changing as we prepare is freshening up,” Hardie said. “Strategically, most of the girls know they’re in really good shape.”

Though the team’s confidence is high, they know attitude will be crucial at regionals.

“It’s important that we all go into this week with positive attitudes to reach individual and team goals,” Tanksley said.

Even though this is the last cross-country team meet of the season, Hardie has high hopes that Tanksley might qualify for nationals.

“Top 40 is all-region, and we haven’t had one in a handful of years. So, I’d say that’s a realistic goal,” Hardie said. “If she has a great day, she could qualify for nationals.”

Tanksley added that she’s aiming for a personal best, but is aware that anything could happen.

“I want to run in the 22 range for this last race,” she said. “As for competing after regionals, it’s difficult to make it out. I get to run against some incredible women who are very fast, but there’s always a chance. That’s what’s so fun about cross-country; you never know what will happen or what you’re capable of.”

The men’s team finished eighth at the PAC race. Although young and developing, Hardie sees potential in the athletes who have stayed healthy.

“The goal for most of the last two weeks has been to stay healthy and have enough guys to compete,” Hardie said. “We’re so beat up right now that we’ll be lucky to get six guys healthy at the line. That’s been number one for this team—let’s stay healthy enough to compete.”

Junior Kyle Casella said the team intends to use the PAC meet as motivation to improve at regionals.

“We didn’t perform as well as we wanted to at the PAC meet,” Casella said. “The goal is to use this as motivation rather than accept defeat and put down some good efforts and times to finish our season.”

Despite injuries, Hardie believes the men’s team can match their usual regional performance.

“Realistically, we can probably place in the 20 to 25 range,” Hardie said. “That’s historically where we’ve been.”

As a young team, the men have focused on pushing and pacing each other for success.

“We’ve worked on being able to work together during workouts so we can push each other and hold ourselves accountable,” Casella said. “This is important for us because it increases our chances of ending the season on a good note.”

Both teams will travel to Lock Haven, PA, for the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional meet on Nov. 16.