A WINNING PAIR
Wagner, Rowan lead surging MotherMcAuley past Providence in GCAC Red dual meet
Mother McAuley senior NatalieWagner enjoys being part of a dynamic duo with junior teammate Evelyn Rowan.
The pair consistently pushes each other at the front of the MightyMacs’ races.
“It helps knowing there’s a teammate out there with you,” Wagner said. “I try to focus on staying with her, and we use each other to knowwhen to go extra hard.”
Wagner and Rowan turned in a one-two finish duringWednesday’s GCAC Red dual meet at Providence in New Lenox. Wagner won the race in 20 minutes, 3 seconds, crossing the line 12 seconds ahead of Rowan.
The MightyMacswon 20-43.
“The racewent prettymuchaccording to plan,” Wagner said. “Iwanted to get out fast and I did. Iwas happy with howI ran.”
Wagner is savoring every meet during her final season of cross country. She began running as a freshman, and cross country and track are her only sports.
“I wanted to play a sport, so I decided to try it out,” she said. “It’s been a lot of fun over the last four years. I’m really glad I’ve gotten to be a part of this team.”
Rowan is certainly happy Wagner is a part of the team aswell.
“We’re usually right next to each other in the races,” she said. “We kind of switch off with who’s running in front. It helps a lot.”
Rowan said there’s a ton of competition between her and Wagner, but it is always friendly.
“We both want to win races, but we’re always happy for each other when one of
does good,” Rowan said. “It’s really fun having her run with me and knowing she’s always going to be up there with me.”
Junior Heather Wagner, Natalie’s sister, finished fourth for the Mighty Macs in 20:46. Mary Kate Carey was sixth in 21:06 and Gianna Kmak took seventh in 21:09.
“We’re doing really good as a team,” Rowan said. “We’re putting up some good times. We have a lot more girls on the team,
and it’s been a really cool dynamic because everyone’sworking together.”
The Mighty Macs had one final dual scheduled forSaturday atFenwick, with the GCACMeet and postseason to follow.
Rowan knows nowis the time to get into peak form.
“Ihada slowstart to the season,” she said.
“I was just trying to get back into things after the summer and dealing with some small injuries. Now, I just want to finish strong.”
Senior Emma Kulpinski led Providence, finishing third in 20:22.
“I was trying to stay with them,” Kulpinski said ofWagner andRowan. “My first mile was a little too fast because I tried to keep up. It ended up being my fastest time of the season, though, so I’m happy.
“I really liked having that tough competition.”
Junior Kailey Wolniakowski finished fifth for the Celtics in 21:05, while freshman Bella Morey took 10th in 21:31.
Kulpinski, a state qualifier last season inClass 2A, has been happy to see the development of her younger teammates.
“Thiswasmy last time running on this course,” she said. “It’s kindof sad. I don’t want to run in college, so I know this is the end of my running career.
“I’m just trying to pass the torchon tomy younger teammates.”