As a result of its top-5 finish at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Central Region Championships, the Lady Bisons cross-country team will compete at the NCAA Division II National Championships on Saturday, Nov. 21, for the first time since 2009.
Head coach Steve Guymon said he looks forward to seeing the team’s two top runners, seniors Ewa Zaborowska and Kelsey Taylor, end their cross-country careers on a high note.
“After the way they’ve led these past few years, to have given us an opportunity to go to nationals as a team is what I’m most excited about,” Guymon said. “I want them to enjoy it and savor the moment, because it’s something they will remember for the rest of their life.”
Taylor said she is looking forward to the experience, especially since it will come in her final year as a Lady Bison.
“I’m just excited to go to nationals.” Taylor said. “We’ve had that goal for a while. It makes it even more rewarding being a senior.”
Although Taylor’s cross-country career will end, she said she will continue running with the track team in the spring.
For Zaborowska, however, the NCAA Championships will mark the final race of her career, as she will graduate in December. Taylor acknowledged the impact Zaborowska has had on the cross-country and track teams.
“She’s one of the most decorated athletes at Harding,” Taylor said. “She’s determined, self-disciplined, and she’s been a blessing.”
Guymon echoed Taylor’s sentiment regarding Zaborowksa’s impact.
“There’s no way I could thank (Zaborowska) enough for the way she’s helped our program,” Guymon said.
Zaborowska will look to finish in the top 40, which would earn her NCAA All-America honors for the second time in her career.
According to Guymon, the team hopes to finish in the top 20, a goal he believes is attainable.
“They’ve been a top-20 team all year,” Guymon said. “I just want them to go out there relaxed and run the best race they can.”
Taylor said racing against Division I schools at the Chile Pepper Festival earlier this season has prepared the team for tougher competition at the NCAA Championships.
“We’ve seen the best runners, so nothing will be a huge shock or anything,” Taylor said. “We already had this confidence going into regionals, so we’re ready for the challenge.”
The meet will begin at noon on Saturday, Nov. 21 in Joplin, Missouri.
