Written by Eli Dean // Photo by Caleb Chunn

Harding’s women’s cross-country team finished the regular season with a solid performance this past weekend at the Old Glory Gallop 5K cross-country race at Dallas Baptist University. Head coach Don Hood said he has appreciated the contributions of freshmen and transfer students in all four meets this season.

“I’ve been pleased with how our newcomers have adapted and performed in a new system and at a new school,” Hood said. “We have good depth on both teams. That’s not something we’ve had in the past.”

One of those newcomer runners is freshman Jessica Chappell, who has made several achievements while on the team. Chappell finished second among Harding runners to sophomore Kaylie Washko, with individual finishes of 41st, second, 42nd and 17th in each of the races.

“Running is what keeps me going,” Chappell said. “The team is great, too. We’re always there for each other and supporting each other through whatever we’re going through.”

As a team, the Bisons placed fourth out of 33 teams, with Chappell and Washko leading the group. Washko was recently awarded the Great American Conference (GAC) Runner of the Week award for the week of Sept. 27, but she said she is not done trying to improve.

“It felt amazing to win and to bring that award to Harding,” Washko said. “My goal is to continue to improve my times for the 5K at Conference and 6K at Regionals.”

Washko’s performance at the Dallas meet was one of her better performances of the year, and she said she is looking forward to improving more at the GAC Championships on Oct. 21.

“This last cross country meet in Dallas was one of the best 5Ks for me, as I both set a personal record and also placed high enough to be honored at the awards ceremony,” Washko said. “I’m hoping to improve my speed, as I feel like my endurance is really great, but that extra speed would be amazing.”

Hood said Washko’s work ethic sets her apart, and he appreciates her contributions to making the team better.

“Kaylie is a relentless competitor and worker,” Hood said. “She has a great desire to be the best she can be, so she lives the lifestyle and does the training that is required for that.”

While the team prepares for the GAC championships in two weeks, Chappell said she wants the team to grow closer together as another successful season draws to a close.

“Our goal as a team is just to become more confident in ourselves, and keep each other going,” Chappell said. “Sometimes I have a lot of anxiety right before a race, but everyone is there for me. Whenever the gun goes off and I run that first minute, it all goes away and I’m able to run at my pace and it takes me where I want to go.”

The GAC Championships will be in Russellville, Arkansas, with the runners who advance further going to the NCAA regionals Nov. 4 and potentially the NCAA Championships Nov. 18, both of which will be hosted in Joplin, Missouri.