Despite Rainy Conditions, Union Catholic Girls Cross Country Team Shines at Nike Nationals

Union Catholic girls cross country team showcased their talent and determination at one of the biggest cross country meets in the nation, Nike Nationals, held at Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland, OR. Despite the rainy conditions, the team put forth a strong effort and finished in 10th place overall.

Mountain Vista (CO) claimed the national team championship, while Jane Hedengren from Utah set a new meet record by winning the individual title in record-breaking fashion with a time of 16:32.7.

Union Catholic started the race strong, holding the fifth place position through the first 5K before settling into seventh place by the 4K mark. The team maintained their momentum and secured a Top 10 team finish with a team score of 252 among nearly 200 runners.

Leading the team was sophomore Paige Sheppard, who finished in 30th place with a time of 17:56.4. Sheppard, named N.J. Girls Runner of The Year, improved her time from last year by nearly 40 seconds, showcasing her dedication and skill.

Cayleigh Kaiser, a First-Team All-State selection, finished in 65th place with a time of 18:37.3, an improvement of roughly 21 seconds from the previous year. Sophomore Sophia Thompson secured the third spot for Union Catholic with a time of 18:49.8, finishing in 83rd place.

The team’s five-runner average significantly improved from the previous year, with Union Catholic boasting an average time of 18:53 compared to 19:13. With the entire top seven set to return next fall, the team looks forward to another successful season and aims to make a fourth consecutive appearance at Nike Nationals in 2025.

For more updates and information, you can contact Corey Annan at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter/X @coreyannan360.

FAQs

1. How did Union Catholic girls cross country team perform at Nike Nationals?

Union Catholic girls cross country team finished in 10th place at Nike Nationals, showcasing a strong effort and determination despite rainy conditions.

2. Who won the individual title at Nike Nationals?

Jane Hedengren from Utah won the individual title at Nike Nationals in record-breaking fashion, setting a new meet record with a time of 16:32.7.

3. Who led Union Catholic girls cross country team?

Sophomore Paige Sheppard led Union Catholic with a 30th place finish at Nike Nationals, improving her time from last year by nearly 40 seconds.

4. What was the team score for Union Catholic at Nike Nationals?

Union Catholic posted a team score of 252 at Nike Nationals, with three of its runners finishing inside the Top 100.

5. How did Union Catholic’s five-runner average compare to the previous year?

Union Catholic significantly improved their five-runner average, boasting an average time of 18:53 compared to 19:13 from the previous year.

6. Will Union Catholic return to Nike Nationals next year?

With the entire top seven set to return next fall, Union Catholic aims to make a fourth consecutive appearance at Nike Nationals in 2025.

7. Who claimed the national team championship at Nike Nationals?

Mountain Vista (CO) secured the national team championship at Nike Nationals.

8. What position did Union Catholic hold during the race?

Union Catholic held the fifth place position through the first 5K before settling into seventh place by the 4K mark, ultimately finishing in 10th place.

9. Which runners rounded out the top seven for Union Catholic?

Kayla Devine, Emmy O’Hearn, Ella Solorzano, and Jasmine Parran rounded out the top seven for Union Catholic at Nike Nationals.

10. How can I stay updated on N.J. High School Sports news?

You can sign up for the N.J. High School Sports newsletter, which now appears in mailboxes 5 days a week, and follow them on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Tags

Union Catholic, Cross Country, Nike Nationals, High School Sports, Running, Championships