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CHICAGO – Tomorrow, Nov. 15, the Loyola University Chicago men’s and women’s cross country teams are poised to compete in the highly anticipated 2024 NCAA Midwest Regional Cross Country Championships. The Women’s 6K race is slated to kick off at 11 a.m. CT, closely followed by the Men’s 10K race at noon. Fans can catch the action live through Shazam Racing’s timing updates, while the races will also be streamed on ESPN+, allowing for widespread viewership of this thrilling event.
As they approach the regional championships, the Ramblers boast remarkable standings in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s (USTFCCCA) Midwest Region rankings, with the men’s team proudly positioned at No. 7, while the women’s team follows closely at No. 8. Their solid performances this season have garnered attention and set high expectations for their regional showdown.
In their last outing, Loyola Chicago competed fiercely in Mechanicsville, Virginia, during the 2024 Atlantic 10 Cross Country Championships held at Pole Green Park. Demonstrating exceptional skill and determination, the Rambler women clinched their third consecutive Atlantic 10 Championship, adding another feather to their cap. This victory represents their sixth consecutive conference title, building on a legacy that includes three straight Missouri Valley victories from 2019 to 2021. Meanwhile, the men’s team impressed with a strong second-place finish in the competitive 8K race.
The Rambler women achieved a stunning first-place finish, achieving an impressive average race time of 20:49.92. Key athletes Delia McDade-Clay, Emma Watcke, Grace Kuhn, and Roisin Treacy shone brightly, finishing in quick succession at 20:45.4 to secure the championship, taking four through seven positions and setting personal records for both Watcke and Treacy in the process.
Leading the Rambler men was James Lawrence, who delivered a remarkable performance, finishing third with a time of 23:48.8, just narrowly missing his personal best by a scant one-tenth of a second. Following closely behind him, Miles Clisham secured the seventh position at 24:12.3, while Jake Phillips and Samuel Field finished strongly in 11th and 13th places, respectively, with times of 24:22.9 and 24:23.0.
With the conference championships now behind them, Loyola Chicago is laser-focused on delivering a standout performance at the regionals, with hopes of earning coveted spots in the prestigious D-I Cross Country Championships. Last season, the men’s team achieved an impressive fourth-place finish at regionals, matching their best performance from the previous year in 2022.
Advancing to the NCAA National Championships requires a robust performance at the regional level, where teams and individuals vie for qualification. Each of the nine regional meets automatically sends the top two teams to the national stage, totaling 18 teams, supplemented by another 13 at-large teams that are selected based on overall season and regional performance, bringing the grand total to 31 teams. Individual runners can also secure advancement, with the top four finishers at each regional meet, who are not part of a qualifying team, earning a ticket to the nationals, alongside two additional at-large qualifiers determined by season standings.
To attain All-Region honors at an NCAA Regional Cross Country meet, a runner must finish within the elite top-25 individuals, a prestigious accolade bestowed by the USTFCCCA, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication required to achieve such recognition.
The advancing teams will have their sights set on the national championship, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Wisconsin has the honor of hosting this much-anticipated championship meet at the renowned Thomas Zimmer Championship Course in Madison, a location that promises an exciting and competitive atmosphere for all involved.
**Interview: Loyola University Chicago Cross Country Teams Prepare for NCAA Midwest Regional Championships**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Johnson, Head Coach of the Loyola University Chicago cross country teams. Sarah, thank you for joining us!
**Sarah Johnson:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for our teams as we head into the regional championships.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! Tomorrow is a big day for both the men’s and women’s teams, competing in the 2024 NCAA Midwest Regional Cross Country Championships. How are the athletes feeling as they prepare for these important races?
**Sarah Johnson:** The energy is electric! Both teams have been putting in a lot of hard work this season, and they’re eager to showcase their talents. We’ve been focusing on building their confidence and cohesion ahead of the races, and I can feel that enthusiasm.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of confidence, your women’s team just secured their third consecutive Atlantic 10 Championship. What does this victory mean for the team as they approach the regionals?
**Sarah Johnson:** It’s a significant boost! Winning the Atlantic 10 Championship solidified their performance throughout the season. This victory not only reflects their determination but also strengthens their belief in their capabilities. It sets a positive tone for the upcoming races, and I hope it carries into the regionals.
**Interviewer:** The women finished with an impressive average race time of 20:49.92. Who were some standout performers during that championship, and what should we expect from them at the regionals?
**Sarah Johnson:** Delia McDade-Clay, Emma Watcke, Grace Kuhn, and Roisin Treacy all had phenomenal outings, finishing closely together. Their strong performances were pivotal in clinching the championship. At the regionals, I expect them to continue their momentum and challenge for strong placements again. Each of them is capable of personal bests.
**Interviewer:** On the men’s side, they also had a great finish, placing second in the Atlantic 10 Championships. How do you feel about their placement as they head into the regionals?
**Sarah Johnson:** The men’s second-place finish was impressive, especially considering the depth of competition they faced. James Lawrence has been a key athlete for us, and his performance has set high expectations. With such a solid team behind him, I’m confident they will rise to the occasion at regionals.
**Interviewer:** With both teams ranked No. 7 and No. 8 in the USTFCCCA Midwest Region, how do you motivate the runners to surpass expectations?
**Sarah Johnson:** Rankings can add pressure, but we focus more on the process rather than the numbers. We emphasize training consistency, setting personal goals, and supporting each other. Each race is an opportunity for them to prove not just their rankings but their growth and resilience as athletes.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how can fans support the teams during the championships?
**Sarah Johnson:** We’re thrilled that fans can tune in via ESPN+ or follow live updates through Shazam Racing. The support means so much to our athletes, and knowing they have a cheering squad boosts their motivation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah. It sounds like both teams are ready for what promises to be an exhilarating day. Best of luck to your runners!
**Sarah Johnson:** Thank you! We’re grateful for the support and excited to represent Loyola at the regionals.
