The Taylor women’s cross country team won their thirteenth title at the CL Championship in Marion, Ind. on Friday.
Head coach Quinn White, or “Coach Q”, explained that the conference race was held at Indiana Wesleyan’s flatter course because the NAIA National Championship will be held at a flatter course located in Tallahassee, Fla. this year. When nationals have been placed at hillier courses, the Taylor University Farm terrain has showcased a similar terrain to host the CL meet.
Taylor took the horizontal course to their advantage by placing five runners in the top 10. They finished with a total of 1:47:35, positioning the time as the second-fastest 6k in Trojan history. The team score amounted to 25 points, almost tripling Grace College’s second place finish with a score of 73.
Sophomore Jaynie Halterman said she was “itching to race” before the CL meet. Her desire to compete was fulfilled as she led the Maddawg pack with a new course record of 20:17, outpacing her time of 20:41 at this course earlier this season.
Senior Noel Bass secured a third-place spot with a time of 21:32, while freshman Catey Campbell finished fifth in 21:49. Seventh place went to junior Sam Patterson at 21:55 and senior Rebekah Firestone finished ninth at 21:59.
Seven Trojans were named to the All-CL League. The five above were included, along with junior Malarie Pinwar and senior Emersyn Funk.
Mental and physical preparation was vital to the women’s results.
Bass’s third place finish produced a season best. She said she prepared her mindset going into the CL Championship by thinking of it as “just another race.” Bass also said that White is intentional about having the team practice like they race and race like they practice.
White continued to focus on the team’s theme of “love” as another way to mentally prepare his athletes. Focusing on the ultimate love found in Christ, he reminded the runners there is no fear in love, because perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
“Not that we’re afraid, but we are human,” White said.
Halterman took a break from running at the meet prior to the CL championship, where she saw her teammates race from a different perspective. She said she might go into races with anxiety, but White has encouraged the team that love is the opposite of anxiety.
“I’m definitely feeling very excited to race,” Halterman said, prior to the meet on Friday. “Get me out there. Let me run hard. Let me run fast.”
Although it was difficult to miss competing in a meet with her love for racing, her saved energy proved successful.
The team also focused on preserving themselves for their championship race on the physical side. They continued in their tapering season, engaged in solid intensity with low mileage in practice. Halterman explained this as a way to “take the edge off” of workouts, not leaving room for depletion.
White knew the weather was unpredictable heading into conference, but he also knew the team could use it to their advantage. They prepared to take a negative condition for everyone and make it positive for themselves.
“I actually hope it rains,” White said.
White’s wish came true, as the Maddawgs were successful in wet conditions. The Trojans may experience another change in weather when they travel to Tallahassee, Fla. for the NAIA National Championships on Nov. 21 to conclude the 2025 season.
