The men and women’s cross-country teams competed in the Big 12 Championships this past weekend in Lincoln, Neb. The men placed 7th, while the women placed 8th.

Injuries have plagued the men’s team and even forced senior Samuel Magu out of the Big 12 Championships. Magu along with freshman John Sainna have been bothered by tendinitis, while sophomore Matt Williams is trying to overcome a stress fracture.

However, Philemon Too led the pack of Iowa State runners last weekend placing 4th out of 100 runners in a time of 24:42. All-American David Lichoro was next to cross the line finishing 17th with a time of 25:07. Despite trying to overcome injuries, John Sainna and Matt Williams placed 40th and 51st respectively.

For the women, Andrea Crapisi took home the top finish for the women once again, placing 17th in a time of 18:05. The women’s field consisted of 143 runners. Next for the Cyclones was junior Alienor Gilchrist finishing 18th with a time of 18:07. Junior Emily Martini finished 20th clocking in at 18:09, while Senior Erin Bresnan placed 49th, and freshman Cara Van Eck placed 50th.

Crapisi pointed out the importance of staying healthy for the NCAA Regionals in two weeks. “Trying to stay healthy and keeping our confidence up will be important,” Crapisi said.

In addition, Crapisi believes the team as a whole has been contributing to the overall success and has been improving steadily. Crapisi also feels that Erin Bresnan and Cara Van Eck ran a good race at the Big 12 Championship. “Erin Bresnan has been injured but came back and ran a good race,” Crapisi said. “And Cara Van Eck has been unbelievable as a freshman.”

Although the team was disappointed with their 8th place finish, qualifying for the NCAA Championships is the only thing on the minds of the women, along with the men.

The Cyclone cross country teams will be back in action on Nov. 14 in Wichita, Kan. to try to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Lawrence, Kan. on Nov. 23.