Running Down a Dream

Women’s cross country had a banner season, winning the Ivy League Heptagonal Championship trophy for the second consecutive year. Four Lions ran their way onto the All-Ivy League team, and cross country director Dan Ireland was named Ivy League and Northeast Regional Coach of the Year.

Libby Kokes ’19

Ben Ennis

The team also took the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship title, en route to the NCAA Cross Country National Championships in Madison, Wis., on November 17. Their performance at nationals — coming in 18th of 31 teams — marked the best finish for an Ivy League team since 2013. Libby Kokes ’19 was the top Columbia runner, finishing the 6K-course in 20:43.6.

Back at the Heps championship, which took place on October 27, Erin Gregoire ’19 finished in second place (20:49.3), while Kokes took fourth (20:53.4); both runners’ performances earned them spots on the All-Ivy first team. “Going into this race, we knew it was going to be a tough one,” Gregoire said, referring to the drenching rain the night before. “This course is all grass and dirt, so it turned into a mud pit. We had to prepare last night, but I think that helped ease our stresses and we were excited to go into this as one unified team.”

Katie Wasserman ’20 came in 11th place at 21:07.7, and Alexandra Hays ’21 was 13th at 21:08.5. The pair made the All-Ivy second team.