In an unforgettable season for La Salle University’s cross country teams, both the men’s and women’s squads saw their individual champions claim top honors at the Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference Championships. For the first time in 16 years, La Salle was the recipient of both the men’s and women’s individual titles, marking a historic achievement for the program.
Gwenno Goode and MacCallum Rowe: Individual Champions
Gwenno Goode, a standout sophomore, made history by winning the A-10 women’s individual title with an impressive performance. Goode crossed the finish line 28 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, showcasing her strength and dominance throughout the race. Her victory marked a significant moment for La Salle, as she became the first La Salle woman to win the A-10 cross country title in years. Her victory earned her the A-10 Most Outstanding Performer award, which recognized her exceptional performance throughout the season.
On the men’s side, MacCallum Rowe, a talented sophomore, mirrored Goode’s success by winning the A-10 men’s individual title. Rowe showed his competitive edge by breaking away from the pack in the final stretch of the race, finishing with a decisive victory. Like Goode, Rowe’s performance earned him the A-10 Most Outstanding Performer award, a recognition of his top-tier race strategy and stamina.
Together, Goode and Rowe became the first La Salle duo to sweep the individual titles since 2006, cementing their place in the history books of La Salle cross country.
NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Success
Following their dominant performances at the A-10 Championships, both Goode and Rowe continued to shine at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional meet. Their performances at the regional competition were nothing short of outstanding, as both earned All-Region honors by placing in the top seven overall in their respective races.
Goode’s strong finish secured her a spot in the NCAA National Championship, held in Madison, Wisconsin, where she competed fiercely against the nation’s best cross-country athletes. Goode’s determination and skill saw her finish in the top 100 at the National Championship, further proving her status as one of the top runners in the country.
Rowe, too, earned his spot at the prestigious NCAA National Championship, where he continued his impressive form, racing against some of the best male cross-country athletes in the nation. Although he didn’t finish in the top 100, his performance remained commendable and highlighted the growth and potential of La Salle’s cross-country program.
Team Accomplishments and Future Outlook
Both Goode and Rowe’s performances were pivotal to the success of La Salle’s cross country teams, and their individual titles added to the program’s storied history. While the teams themselves did not win overall A-10 titles, the dominance of Goode and Rowe provided a major boost for the program, showcasing the caliber of talent that La Salle continues to develop.
With both Goode and Rowe continuing to improve and establish themselves as rising stars in the NCAA, La Salle’s cross-country teams are poised for future success. Their achievements at the A-10 and NCAA Championships are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and talent that La Salle athletes bring to the national stage.
La Salle University’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams made history this season, with Gwenno Goode and MacCallum Rowe winning their respective A-10 individual titles and qualifying for the NCAA National Championships. Their dominance throughout the season highlighted their strength, determination, and potential, and their accomplishments have solidified La Salle as a powerhouse in college cross country. As they look toward the future, both Goode and Rowe will undoubtedly continue to lead La Salle to even greater success.
