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Women's Cross Country—Archive

2008 Season

Nov. 20, 2008
2008 women’s season reflects many positives

Third- and fourth-place championship finishes, All-Conference and All-Region honors and national qualifiers added up to a solid season for the Cyclones in 2008 and plaudits from their coach.

The women finished in third place October 18 at the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship run on Moraine Valley’s course, and sophomores Lauren Burke (Lockport) and Monica Gelezauskas (Lockport) were named to the All-Conference team. A week later the Cyclones placed fourth at the NJCAA Region IV Division championship with Burke selected to the All-Region first team. Both runners qualified for the national championship November 8 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

“We did not have the depth as we have had in past years, but this was a team with plenty of heart, dedication, commitment, and positive attitude that started with the first day of practice August 4,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “I can’t say enough about how hard this team worked all season, and it showed every race. They got stronger and their times showed that. I have never had a team that had such a positive attitude.”

That work ethic began with Burke, who led the team all season long. She was the first Cyclone to cross the finish line in every race this season. “Lauren was just terrific for us this year. Her improvement from a year ago is remarkable but not surprising. She set goals at the end of last season to do well in the conference and region championships and run at nationals, and she accomplished all three goals through hard work and commitment. That kind of work ethic and goal-setting will serve her well in all facets of her life,” Horstmeyer said. “I know she will continue to do well in the future.”

Gelezauskas, who was the second Cyclone to finish in every race, also put in the time during the off-season so she too could enjoy success at the end of the season when it counted the most. “Monica came into training camp with a whole new purpose to her running, and it showed. She wanted to run at nationals, and she knew what she had to do every day in practice to realize that goal. I am proud of her effort all year long,” Horstmeyer said. “She’ll get even better as she continues her running.”

Ann Gelezauskas (Lockport) ran third for the Cyclones, and her times dropped throughout the season. She barely missed being named to the All-Conference team and contributed points to the women’s strong finish at the Region IV championship. “Ann worked hard every day, and as a result she progressed throughout the season. I was very pleased with the way she kept at it, as I know she was. I hope she continues her running.”

In her first year running sophomore Cristina Dongo (Bremen) also was a major contributor as the number four runner. “Cristina was improving every week, and her race results showed it. Unfortunately, she was sick for two weeks and that really set her back in trying to recover completely as it was late in the season,” Horstmeyer said. “I really felt badly for her because I know how much she loves to run and compete.”

Sophomore Marisol Ortiz (Argo) had to deal with a bad knee during her running career at Moraine Valley, an injury that never fully healed and prevented her from doing the kind of workouts required. “Marisol had to deal with injuries both years she ran for us, and it was frustrating for her. Even though she ran in pain she never gave up. That really says something about who she is as an athlete and a person. She has the potential to be very, very good if she can ever ‘find’ healthy knees,” her coach said.

Rounding out the team was Kelly Washington (Morgan Park), who joined initially to stay in shape for basketball. “I have never had an athlete with so much determination, perseverance and dedication as Kelly. She never gave up. Even when things got tough for her, she never quit,” Horstmeyer said. “That shows remarkable character, which she has tons of and which will serve her well no matter what she does in the future.”

Nov. 14, 2008
National qualifiers finish on strong note

The NJCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country Championship on November 8 provided one last opportunity for two second-year runners to perform well in their final appearance in a Cyclone uniform, and they didn’t disappoint.

Lauren Burke (Lockport) was the first Cyclone to traverse the rolling 5K course in Spartanburg, South Carolina, finishing in 135th place in 21:48. Monica Gelezauskas (Lockport) followed her teammate across the finish line placing 162nd in 22:40. There were 246 competitors in the national race.

“I was pleased with their performance and thrilled for them that their hard work all season was rewarded. Very few runners at any college level have an opportunity to compete on the national stage, and for them to do as well as they did makes it even more memorable. I am very proud of their accomplishment and thrilled that they had this wonderful experience,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “To compete among the top junior college runners in such a strong field that includes a lot of international runners is something they can be very proud of, and I know they are. I wish them all the best.”

Oct. 27, 2008
Two Cyclones to compete in national championship

Although the women’s team ended their season Saturday, October 25, with a fourth-place finish at the 2008 National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV Division I championship, two runners will advance to the national meet.

Lauren Burke (Lockport), as she has done all season, led the Cyclones over the windy 3-mile course at Sauk Valley College with a sixth-place finish in 21:23 and a spot on the All-Region IV team. Monica Gelezauskas (Lockport) placed 13th in 22:25 and will also compete with Burke in the NJCAA championship November 8 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Also finishing were Ann Gelezauskas (Lockport) in 22nd in 23:51, Cristina Dongo (Bremen) in 31st in 25:47, Marisol Ortiz (Argo) in 34th in 27:59, and Kelly Washington (Morgan Park) in 35th in 30:46.
 
“Congratulations to Lauren and Monica. Their goal was to extend their season so they could compete at nationals, and they succeeded. I’m really proud of their effort,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “This will be their first trip to nationals, and I’m excited for them that they will have this opportunity few athletes at any level have. I am also proud of the effort all of our team members made over the course of the season. I really enjoyed watching them improve and be competitive. They worked hard and had fun. They always kept a positive attitude. It has been a delight coaching them.”

Oct. 20, 2008
Cyclones finish third at conference championship

The women’s team claimed third place in the 2008 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Championship on Saturday, October 18, at Moraine Valley, placing two runners on the All-Conference team.

Waubonsee Community College won the women’s title. Elgin Community College finished second and Prairie State College took fourth place.

Lauren Burke (Lockport) led the Cyclones over the 5K course with a fifth-place finish in 21:54 and Monica Gelezauskas (Lockport) finished seventh in 22:29. Both were named All-Conference. Rounding out the scoring were Ann Gelezauskas (Lockport) in 11th in 24:02, Cristina Dongo (Bremen) in 20th in 25:39, Marisol Ortiz (Argo) in 24th in 28:49, and Kelly Washington (Morgan Park) in 25th in 29:58. There were 26 runners in the field.

“The girls did a very good job. They stepped up to the challenge. Lauren was solid and Monica had her best time of the season as did Ann and Kelly,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “They all continue to work hard, and they are seeing the results of their efforts.”

Their last challenge of the season comes October 25 when they compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV Division I championship at Sauk Valley College, Dixon, with a chance to qualify for the national race November 8 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Full conference championship results

Oct. 13, 2008
Women prepare for conference, regional championships

The Cyclones competed in their toughest race and on the hardest course of the year on Saturday, October 11, at the Lucian Rosa Invitational at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. They were among 31 teams and 316 runners in the field. It was indeed a learning day. They finished in 31st place.

As she has done all year, Lauren Burke (Lockport) led the six Cyclones with a 197th place finish in 21:55 over the hilly 5K (3.1 miles) course. She was followed by Monica Gelezauksas (Lockport), Ann Gelezauskas (Lockport), Cristina Dongo (Bremen), Marisol Ortiz (Argo), and Kelly Washington (Morgan Park). “Lauren had a reasonably good time, but she knows she has to work on that last mile. Monica had her best time of the year, and yet she knows she has to get a stronger finish. Cristina might have turned in the best performance because Saturday was the first time she has run in two weeks. I was really pleased with the way she finished. Marisol has been hurt all season—this was only her third race—so we’re hoping she can continue to get stronger and healthier,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer.

“Saturday continued to be a learning day in many respects,” he said. “They know what they have to do to get ready for Saturday’s conference race and the following Saturday’s regional race. They have to continue to work hard. I know they will.”

Moraine Valley will host the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championships on Saturday, October 18 on the Cyclones’ campus course.

Oct. 6, 2008
Cyclones start second half with strong finish

The women’s team started the last month of the season with a strong showing at the Warrior Cross Country Invitational hosted by Wisconsin Lutheran College on October 4 at Greenfield Park in West Allis, Wisconsin. The Cyclones, the only community college team in the 15-team race, placed 12th.

Lauren Burke (Lockport) again led the way with a 27th place finish in a time of 27:28 over the rolling 6K course. She was followed by Monica Gelezauskas (Lockport) in 34th in 28:20, Ann Gelezauskas (Lockport) in 58th place in 30:23, Marisol Ortiz (Argo) in 76th in 36:18 and Kelly Washington (Morgan Park) in 80th in 37:09. There were 90 finishers.

“Since this was a 6K race, we wanted to focus on the first three miles,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “Monica had her fastest three-mile time of the year as did Marisol and Kelly. All of the women lowered their times considerably from their first and only 6K three weeks ago. We continue to improve and that’s what it’s all about.”

Sept. 29, 2008
Women end September on fast note

The women’s team finished the September race schedule with its best outing of the year, recording best times and finishing ninth of 10 teams at the Forester Invitational September 27.

All six Cyclones gave their best effort of the season so far over the 5K course in Half-Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills. “They were excited and I was excited. They had a good outing,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “We are about half-way through our season, and I told them they should use this race as sort of a time trial to see where they are. I think they have a pretty good idea of where they are.”

Lauren Burke (Lockport) led the way with a 39th place finish in a time of 21:19. She was followed by Monica Gelezauskas (Lockport) in 69th in 23:16, Ann Gelezauskas (Lockport) in 83rd place in 24:33, Cristina Dongo (Bremen) in 87th place in 25:09, Marisol Ortiz (Argo) in 102nd in 28:49, and Kelly Washington (Morgan Park) in 104th in 30:47. One hundred four runners competed in the race hosted by Lake Forest College.

“They turn in their best times of the season, and yet they’re not satisfied. I find that highly satisfactory. They will continue to get better the second half of the season,” Horstmeyer said.

Sept. 24, 2008
Women improve times at Illinois Intercollegiate Championships

The women’s team took another step or two in the right direction on Friday, Sept. 19, at the Illinois Intercollegiate Championships, hosted by Illinois State on the university’s golf course

“The effort continues to be there,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “They are working hard in practice, and it’s paying off for them in races. Considering the fact that they competed against NCAA Division I schools, they did a good job.”

Lauren Burke (Lockport) again was the first Cylone to cross the finish line. She came in 139th place.) Monica Zelegauskas (Lockport) finished next in 175th followed by Ann Zelegauskas (Lockport) in 202nd, Cristina Dongo (Bremen) in 209th, and Kelly Washington (Morgan Park) in 232nd. The team finished 23rd of 25 teams.

“The women were a pleasant surprise as they ran faster than my projected times. They definitely are heading in the right direction,” Horstmeyer said.

Sept. 17, 2008
Cyclone women pick up the pace

The women’s team continued to show improvement at the Spartan XC Classic, Sept. 12, hosted by Aurora University at a 5K course in Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora. Given the conditions—rain and mud—the Cyclones did a good job.

“The effort was there, and that’s what we want right now,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “They understand that they need to work hard, and they’re doing that.”

Lauren Burke (Lockport) again was the first Cyclone to cross the finishing line with a 75th place showing. Monica Zelegauskas (Lockport) finished next in 93rd followed by Ann Zelegauskas (Lockport) in 124th and Cristina Dongo (Bremen) in 147th. One hundred sixty women competed.

“The team has competed in three races, and each week, they learn more about what it takes to compete and what they need to get done in practice. They are coming along. I like their progress,” Horstmeyer said.

Sept. 9, 2008
Cyclones working hard

The women’s team, after two races—the Elmhurst College Earlybird on August 29 and North Park University’s Ted Hedstrand Invite on September 6—is making strides.

“I’m pleased with the direction we’re going. Their work ethic is tremendous,” said Coach Mark Horstmeyer. “They will get better. I think by late next month for conference and regionals it will all come together for them. In the meantime, they continue to work hard and maintain a positive attitude.”

The Cyclones finished 11th of 12 teams at Elmhurst and sixth of seven teams at North Park.

Lauren Burke and Monica Gelezauskas are leading the way with Ann Gelezauskas next followed by Cristina Dongo. Marisol Ortiz and Kelly Washington round out the team scoring, although both are having to deal with knee and leg injuries. “We will need them, so we have to get them healthy. They are really showing grit and determination,” Horstmeyer said.

August 29, 2008
Women Cyclones face uphill challenge in 2008

The 2008 season looks to be filled with challenges, but if hard work, determination, and positive attitude are good indicators, then the Cyclones are up to the task. Four returnees and two newcomers will carry the load for Moraine Valley this fall.

“I am really pleased at how well the women are working so far. Our three returning runners—Lauren Burke (Lockport) and Ann and Monica Gelezauskas (Lockport)—are determined to improve their performances from last year. I think they have an excellent chance to do so,” said Mark Horstmeyer, who has coached the women’s team since its inception nine seasons ago.

The fourth returning runner is Marisol Ortiz (Argo), who was injured all of last year and did not compete. She has the potential to turn in solid performances as long as she stays healthy. “Marisol is a good runner but unfortunately she has been plagued by a series of leg problems that have hampered her progress. We hope for good things from her this year,” Horstmeyer said.

Although new to the team, Cristina Dongo (Bremen) is no stranger to running. She competed in cross country and track in high school, and knows what she has to do to get prepared to race this fall. “Cristina is working very hard and that hard work will pay off for her. She is determined to do well,” Horstmeyer said.

Kelly Washington (Morgan Park) also is new to the team this year and new to running. “She started running in early spring to stay in shape for basketball during the off-season, and she has kept at it,” Horstmeyer said. “I am really pleased at how hard she works and her great attitude. I think she may surprise herself by the end of the season when it counts.”

Horstmeyer will be assisted by two former Cyclones this year—Andrea Zylius and Matt Swiatkowski—both of whom are marathoners. Zylius is focusing on strength and conditioning and Swiatkowski is leading the workouts. “Matt was a two-time all-conference and all-region selection. Andrea actually started her running career with us. Both have been a great help in getting our kids ready and they will contribute greatly to our success this fall,” Horstmeyer said.

Hard work is a hallmark for this year’s team. “They will have to work extremely hard, keep up their determination and focus on improving every day. Eventually, it will pay off for them. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they can do by conference in late October,” Horstmeyer said.

2007 Season