The Waynesburg University cross country team wrapped up its season, and now it’s time to take a look back at the season. There were noteworthy placings by both the men and the women individually this season, as well as good team placings.

Head Coach Chris Hardie was pleased with the progress both teams made this season. He also commented on the leadership on both teams.

“We came up with a plan that was different from years past… which led to a really good peak,” Hardie said. “The leadership of this team is probably the strongest going back five or six years. It’s a really great group of mature young adults that really did what they needed to do.”

The highest overall placing came from the women’s team, when they finished first overall in the first meet of the season. Sophomore Reagan Pettis started her season strong, placing fifth overall, while fellow sophomore Grace Tanksley placed sixth overall. Senior Gabi Reifsnyder finished eighth overall to round out the top ten.

Of the top three runners listed above, Pettis unfortunately missed the last couple of meets, but Tanksley stepped up and took over as one of the top three runners for the women’s team.

Pettis talked about her best race, and had an interesting take in terms of what weather condition she performs best in. She also talked about how she and Tanksley will be working out as a duo like never before.

“The pre regionals… I also tend to run better when it’s like 50 degrees, it was also chilly and raining too. I was also ten seconds off my personal best,” Pettis said. “This year Grace and Gabi worked together most of the time, and it was mostly me by myself because I’m the lead runner. Now with Gabi graduating Grace will work with me now.”

The men’s most impressive finish was on the last meet of the season. They finished 18th overall in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional championships, which was the highest they have placed in more than 15 years for the regional race. Senior Andrew Kasper finished 65th overall, while graduate student Quintin Weaver finished 78th overall.

The top three runners for the men’s team were seemingly Kasper, Weaver, and freshman Lucas Means. Weaver helped Kasper reach new heights this season, as they were one of the best duos the Yellow Jackets have ever seen for cross country.

It will be a long wait until the next Yellow Jacket cross country season, but most of those athletes will be competing during the indoor track and field season.