“We’re at a point where we are here to make a statement and put a stake in the ground. We have to be considered dangerous.”
That’s what cross country head coach Andrew Carlson said after both the men’s and women’s teams dominated the Bradley Intercollegiate at Detweiller Park.
What a statement it was.
Men dominate the standings
On the men’s side, Bradley claimed the top five spots in the 8K, and senior Caleb Lind took the victory on the day, running the course in 24:34. The victory is Lind’s second first-place finish at the Bradley Intercollegiate.
It’s safe to say he’s comfortable at home.
“I felt pretty good, especially since it was a home meet, which was a great confidence booster,” Lind said. “Seeing the whole team cross the finish line was great, the best part of the whole race.”
The home meet and smaller field gave the Braves a unique opportunity to focus not just on individual performance, but on sustained team success.
“We met up before the race, and the message was to work together while executing the plan and doing the best you can,” Lind said.
Junior Oliver Burns and senior Parker Nold were right behind Lind, placing second and third. Sophomores Landon Pogue and Michael Schmalz also came away with fourth and fifth, rounding out the top five while posting personal bests.
Women improving meet by meet
The women’s side flexed their muscles, too.
The Braves claimed 10 of the top 12 spots in the 5K. Sophomore Noelle Steines headlined Bradley’s effort, earning her first collegiate win in 16:13. The Iowa native says she came into the meet with optimism and credited her teammates and their support for the win.
“It was rewarding,” Steines said. “I’ve been pushing myself and working so hard for moments like these. Like any race, big or small, it’s worth it.”
Carlson has been impressed with the strides Steines has made in her second season as a Brave, both as a leader and a runner.
“Noelle has gone to another level; for her to be at the pace she’s at right now is awesome to see,” he said.
She gave the team a message before the meet, telling the Braves to “give what you have,” “believe in each other,” and “when it hurts, push for the team.”
When it was time to compete, they did just that.
Placing second through fourth were freshman Pauline Klessiek, junior Rhune Vanroose and junior Carrissa Hamilton, who were all within seven seconds of each other.
Freshman Louana Schuler took home sixth place, and eighth through 12th were all Bradley runners, helping earn a score of 15 and first place.
Both teams will look to carry the momentum they’ve built into the season at the Joe Piane Invitational, hosted by Notre Dame, on Oct. 16.
As they head to South Bend to face multiple high major opponents, Carlson is not only looking to stay dangerous, but to spread the Braves brand far and wide.
“We have to make a statement if we want Bradley to have a name for themselves in the cross-country world.”
