Bailey Schafbuch | Sports Co-Editor
Courtney Van Haaften | Sports Assistant Editor
The Buena Vista University (BVU) cross country team is off to a strong start, despite the low numbers and underclassman status. The women’s team consists of two freshmen and five sophomores, while the men’s team is made up of only 14 men.
The women’s team is quite young and is led by sophomore Holly Neutzman and freshman Ashtyn Alfers, who placed first and third, respectively, in their opening meet at Simpson. The men’s team has so much talent and experience to go along with that. Alex Lamp, a sophomore, placed fourth at the Simpson race, and senior Brian Christiansen has also been a good leader.
“I don’t think having a young team is a problem at all, it may even be to our advantage. It gives us a chance to bond and become a really close team, which will only help us push each other farther and improve not only as individuals but as a team,” said Alfers.
During the off-season, the team was given a plan with daily and weekly mileage goals to keep in proper shape for the upcoming season. The plan carried into the regular season, and the Beavers make sure to stick to their weekly plan made by head coach Jeff Brennan. This plan consists of different workouts for each day according to what the team needs in order to perform.
Mondays are typically long runs, which consists of 10 plus miles for the men and six plus miles for the women. In addition to the long runs, speed work and hill work is done twice a week. On average throughout the week, the men run 45 to 60 miles; the women complete 25 to 35 miles per week.
The number one goal and priority of the team is to move up in standings at the IIAC Championships after placing eighth overall as a team.
“Both teams show the ability to surprise other teams in the conference,” Brennan said.
The program is heading in the right direction. The BVU cross country team will perform here in Storm Lake on their home course at the BVU Invite on Friday, Sep. 21, at 5:00 p.m.
Graphic by Keyla Sosa
