BYU Women Return to Claim NCAA Cross Country Title; Doris Lemgole takes an individual victory
MADISON, WI – At first glance it may seem like an individual sport where every runner is focused on their race, but the truth is that it’s all about the team.A year ago, the Brigham Young University women’s cross country team was crushed Under the weight of disappointment, after leading by 2k, they collapsed in the final 5k, finishing a staggering 14th in the NCAA. At the Cross Country Championship, it was the most difficult moment for head coach Diljet Taylor during his eight years at BYU.
Fast forward to Saturday, and the Cougars are back on top. In a dramatic comeback, BYU captured the 2024 NCAA women’s title at the University of Wisconsin Thomas Zimmer Championship, clinching their second championship in five years with 149 points. beating out a fierce field that included soaring programs and an emotional swan song for the women of Northern Arizona from a squad led by outgoing coach Mike Smith.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 🏆 BYU#NCAAXC pic.twitter.com/CxlGvOTvAq
— NCAA Track Field (@NCAATrackField) November 23, 2024
In a meet that had more twists and turns than a thriller, BYU’s depth won the day. They weren’t counting on top-10 finishers, an almost impossible feat in cross country. Lexi Halladay-Lowry, who was the Cougars- ’s star, finished 14th, but BYU’s ability to battle through adversity from start to finish turned the race into a statement about teamwork and faith.
Last year’s collapse wasn’t easy to shake off. Taylor was prescient of the crushing disappointment. “It was the lowest moment of my coaching career,” he admitted. “Embrace the imperfect.”
And admit it they did.
The team, led by Halladay-Lowry in the 14th, executed their game plan precisely. They stayed calm in the middle miles and, most importantly, turned on the jets in the final 2k. In the 4k, BYU trailed Northern Arizona by a score of 157-166 , but over the past 2k they’ve moved up 19 spots.That’s strategic was a remarkable display of performance and, as Taylor noted, a reminder that in practice things are often imperfect, just like on race day.
“Last year we failed. We failed miserably,” Halladay-Lowry admitted after the victory. “But today we came back stronger.”
A month before the championship, BYU was dealt a severe blow. the team’s third runner, Jenna Hutchins, was sidelined for the season. Meanwhile, Halladay-Lowry struggled with her own injury by spending weeks cross-training. However, Taylor kept the team focused on the bigger picture, reminding them to “Embrace the imperfect.”
The road to redemption has been hard work for Halladay-Lowry, who finished 103rd after a heartbreaking 27th place finish this time around, finishing 14th. th place, which is not in the individual top 10, but crucial for the success of BYU.
For Taylor, the victory was especially sweet. In his opinion, the victory was never an individual performance. it was about collective efforts. “We may not have had a top-10 finish, but the depth of this team has been something I’ve believed in for years,” he said.
And BYU’s depth was on full display.
Carmen Alder, a runner who has struggled in previous NCAA appearances, played a key role in BYU’s victory. Alder was ranked 203rd in 2022 and 246th in 2023, but she found her stride Saturday, finishing 39th. 1st place and out of 10 women in the final 2k, her performance was emblematic of the team’s broader mindset; overcome adversity and stay focused on the task at hand.
In a championship race with several teams locked in a battle for supremacy, BYU’s victory was a story of overcoming the odds. Northern Arizona, seeking its first women’s title, led until 4k, but faded in the final stretch to finish fourth with 206 points. : West Virginia, ranked 14th in the nation entering the race, stunned the field to finish second with 164 points, while 11th-ranked Providence rounded out the top three with 183 points.
BYU’s success came in a field that featured several strong contenders, including West Virginia and Northern Arizona, but it was the Cougars’ consistent, strong performances that set them apart from every runner. Unlike previous NCAA winners who boasted top-10 finishers, BYU’s ability to have all five runners finish in the top 50 was crucial. Halladay-Lowry, their top scorer, was the lowest No. 1 rusher on an NCAA title-winning team in 44 years, further highlighting the team’s collective effort over individual stars.
As for the individual race, it was a thrilling finish. 2023 runner-up Doris Lemgoli of Alabama held off teammate Hilda Olemomo of Florida for the title in 19:21.0. New Mexico’s Pamela Kosgei, who one month had previously set a record at Pre-Nationals, second was 19:27.8, just edging out Olemomoi (19:28.7). NC State’s Grace Hartman, the top American finisher, was fifth in 19:39.5.
The win was a big comeback for Lemgol, who finished on top of the podium last year, proving that patience pays off.
