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Eastern cross country team concludes inaugural season
The Ohio University Eastern cross country team completed its first season successfully, with the men’s team placing 28th out of the 36 teams entered at the Wilmington Fall Classic, held at Wilmington College on October 15.
“We ran a very good race,” remarked head coach Dave Castle. “Our strategy was to start conservatively, and then move up after the first mile. It worked well, and every member of the team ran a life-time best.”
In the inaugural year of cross-country at Eastern, a full men’s team competed in two collegiate meets – the All-Ohio Championships and the Wilmington Fall Classic, and also participated in the Barnesville 5K Pumpkin Run. Members of the team were Cody Ruminski, Jon Dudzik, Daniel Hess, Dustin Hess, Devan Timko, and Robert Chilton. The lone female participant for Eastern, Kaila Ruminski, also competed in all three races.
For transfer student Jon Dudzik, running on the cross country team was one of the “most fulfilling experiences I’ve had since moving here."
"Being home-schooled, I’ve never participated in a competitive sport before and the overall experience of pushing myself and improving my time was extremely valuable,” Dudzik said. When asked if he was planning on running next year, Dudzik replied, “Oh yeah, without a doubt!”
Castle praised the team for their dedication and effort.
“Everyone on the team worked hard and saw improvement. They are a great group, and we had a lot of fun.”
With plans to expand the schedule and develop a home course, Castle is excited about next fall.
“We have a number of our runners back, and with new additions, the program will grow and become stronger.” Although a little disappointed that more women did not compete, Castle is optimistic about next season. “Our goal this year was to start a team, we knew it might be difficult to get a lot of people out this first season; but now that we are established and people are aware that the sport exists here at OUE, I think we will get more female representation.” According to Castle, there are already applicants for next fall’s incoming freshman class inquiring about joining the team.
Also pleased with the team’s success this season is Rich Greenlee, dean of the Eastern campus.
“I want to thank Dr. Castle for volunteering to coach our first cross country team this season," Greenlee said. "As we continue to grow the degree opportunities on our campus, we also want to increase the number of student activities on campus as well. Cross country is a sport that promotes many important life lessons such as the need for self-discipline and perseverance in the face of difficulty. We think it is a perfect match for our quest to become the best student-centered learning experience in the valley.”
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