Ripon College Days

Media Credit: Photo by Al Fredrickson Conference Champ. Senior Dave Billings strides to a first place finish at Ripon's home invitational Oct. 8. Three weeks later he won conference. [Click to enlarge]

As the men's and women's varsity cross country squads prepare for this weekend's regional meet, the men are anticipating a strong team finish and a national berth for the 2005 Midwest Conference Champion, senior Dave Billings.

Billings' stride helped the men's team to a third place conference finish Oct. 29. Leading the women's team, which placed eighth overall, was sophomore Brittany Dick who finished in 12th place.

"Looking back, the entire team ran well, from our first to our last runner, and that's something that isn't reflected in our scores," says senior Pete Nielsen, co-captain. "This is the best we've ever done in Ripon's history and we should be pretty happy with that."

Saturday's regional race will serve as the capstone of a season of successes for the men's team.

"The men's strength lies in their quality and depth," says Head Coach Bob Duley. "They were arguably one of the best in the history of Ripon College."

Among the more notable performances from the men this season was at the Private College Championships Oct. 15 when five Red Hawk runners won all-state honors. Billings and sophomore Jim Hein received first-team recognition, sophomore Bryan Schneider received second-team honors and Nielsen and sophomore Harrison Smith received third-team awards.

The Private College Championship reflected highly on the women's team as well, with sophomore Brittany Dick running to second-team honors.

"I think Privates was the first race I actually ran to compete," she says. "In most of my other races this season I think I settled a little too much - I never really got out of my comfort zone until the very end."

Though the men saw many top finishes this season, the women's squad struggled with small numbers and injuries.

"The women's strength this season was in the quality of the runners and ability," says Duley. "But I feel they lacked the depth of the men's team."

But Dick says the team found ways to counteract any weaknesses they may have.

"Each individual at least once during the season stepped up big-time when it was needed," she says. "It always seemed like when one person had an off-race, another girl was there to pick up the slack."

Next season the entire women's squad should return, unlike the men's.

"Two of the most important team members, Dave Billings and Pete Nielsen are seniors and it will be hard to see them go," says Smith. "They're both great runners, leaders and two of the best guys around."

Regardless, Duley has high hopes for the futures of both teams. In the meantime, he's looking forward to Saturday.

"I hope the men are in the top ten and the women are in the top 20," says Duley. "Dave Billings has the best chance of going to nationals."

Article Tools