Eastern Michigan Athletics
Cross Country Announces Captains
8/30/2021 9:53:00 AM | Men's XC, Women's XC
Three student-athletes earn leadership role
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University cross country program will see three student-athletes take on the role of captain for the 2021 season, announced Director/Head Coach Sue Parks and Head Coach Mark Rinker today, Aug. 27.
Wearing the "C" this season are juniors Olivia Chandler (Brighton, Mich.-Brighton), Kaitlyn St. Bernard (Newport, Mich.-Jefferson), and Eddie Zuercher (Rocky River, Ohio-Rocky River).
"I'm very excited about this year's team captains," said Parks. "Eddie did a great job in that role last year during a period of transition with the combining of our programs. Kate and Oliva have been a part of two MAC championships on the women's side and they know what it takes to compete at that level. All three are fighters who have continued to support their teammates despite their own setbacks. They all bring something different to the group and will be great leaders for our team."
Chandler was the second Eagle to cross the finish line at the 2020 Mid-American Conference Championships with a time of 22:27.7. On the track, the Brighton, Mich. native set personal-bests in the 1500m and 5000m in 4:55.96 and 17:57.57, respectively.
St. Bernard aided in the team's 2019 MAC Championships victory, placing 30th overall to help the Eagles win their fifth-straight conference title. The Newport. Mich. product completed the league's 6K race in 22:48.4 last fall, the third EMU finisher at the meet. Furthermore, the junior harrier notched career-highs during the outdoor season in the 1500m and 10,000m with times of 4:50.46 and 37:09.96, respectively.
Zuercher continues to be a leader on the men's side after serving as a captain last year. The Rocky River, Ohio native rounded out the top-25 at the MAC title race, crossing the finish line in 25:14.2. The veteran runner also produced great times during both the indoor and outdoor track seasons with personal-bests in the 3000m (8:30.08), 1500m (4:04.70), and 5000m (14:57.47).
"Eddie has been a tremendous captain for us and he has embraced the role so thoroughly that it is a real pleasure to have him continue that role," said Rinker. "The growth and success of the program is a credit to all of the guys, but Eddie has really underpinned that with his selfless devotion to the program."
The EMU harriers open the 2021 season with a trip to Bowling Green, Ohio for Bowling Green State's Mel Brodt Open on Sept. 3. The men's team kicks off the 5K meet at 5:30 p.m. followed by the women's race at 6:05. p.m.
For updates on all things Eastern Michigan cross country and track and field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram and Twitter, @EMUXC_TF, and Facebook, @EMUXCTF.
Wearing the "C" this season are juniors Olivia Chandler (Brighton, Mich.-Brighton), Kaitlyn St. Bernard (Newport, Mich.-Jefferson), and Eddie Zuercher (Rocky River, Ohio-Rocky River).
"I'm very excited about this year's team captains," said Parks. "Eddie did a great job in that role last year during a period of transition with the combining of our programs. Kate and Oliva have been a part of two MAC championships on the women's side and they know what it takes to compete at that level. All three are fighters who have continued to support their teammates despite their own setbacks. They all bring something different to the group and will be great leaders for our team."
Chandler was the second Eagle to cross the finish line at the 2020 Mid-American Conference Championships with a time of 22:27.7. On the track, the Brighton, Mich. native set personal-bests in the 1500m and 5000m in 4:55.96 and 17:57.57, respectively.
St. Bernard aided in the team's 2019 MAC Championships victory, placing 30th overall to help the Eagles win their fifth-straight conference title. The Newport. Mich. product completed the league's 6K race in 22:48.4 last fall, the third EMU finisher at the meet. Furthermore, the junior harrier notched career-highs during the outdoor season in the 1500m and 10,000m with times of 4:50.46 and 37:09.96, respectively.
Zuercher continues to be a leader on the men's side after serving as a captain last year. The Rocky River, Ohio native rounded out the top-25 at the MAC title race, crossing the finish line in 25:14.2. The veteran runner also produced great times during both the indoor and outdoor track seasons with personal-bests in the 3000m (8:30.08), 1500m (4:04.70), and 5000m (14:57.47).
"Eddie has been a tremendous captain for us and he has embraced the role so thoroughly that it is a real pleasure to have him continue that role," said Rinker. "The growth and success of the program is a credit to all of the guys, but Eddie has really underpinned that with his selfless devotion to the program."
The EMU harriers open the 2021 season with a trip to Bowling Green, Ohio for Bowling Green State's Mel Brodt Open on Sept. 3. The men's team kicks off the 5K meet at 5:30 p.m. followed by the women's race at 6:05. p.m.
For updates on all things Eastern Michigan cross country and track and field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram and Twitter, @EMUXC_TF, and Facebook, @EMUXCTF.
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