Cross country team discusses training and records for fall season

Annika Carlson and other members of Chapman University’s cross country team give insight into how they develop a supportive team and their future goals for the upcoming season. Photo courtesy of Steven Olveda 

Last year, Chapman University’s women's cross country team took 12th place at the Regional Championships, while the men’s team took 15th place. 

Maddie Mirro, a senior health science major on the women's cross country team, finished 11th overall with a time of 22:35. 

After racing the regional championships and running a personal best time, Mirro became the second female athlete at Chapman to qualify for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III national championships. 

“When I crossed that line, I was so unbelievably grateful that I got a personal best,” Mirro said. 

“Being supportive of everyone's success and what everyone's goals are is what makes our team successful.”

Annika Carlson, a sophomore communication studies major on the women's cross country team, placed 38th last year at the Regional Championships with a time of 23:33. 

“Last year's season went well as it was a transition period from high school to collegiate running,” Carlson said. “My goal for this year is to develop my mental strength during races, support my teammates, and run a new personal best… My favorite part about the team is being surrounded by like minded individuals who not only push me to succeed, but also support me through the challenges.”

Barron Maizland, assistant cross country coach, has been coaching the men’s and women’s team since 2018. 

This year, Maizland has big plans for the team to qualify for the national championships for NCAA Division III. 

“Distance running is a very unforgiving sport physically and mentally,” Maizland said. “Because of this, I challenge my athletes to continuously improve on a daily basis. My favorite part of this team is the support system they have created to encourage their teammates.”

Gil Bothwell, a junior business major on the men's cross country team, told The Panther about how he will reach his goals this season.

“This summer I really wanted to build off some bright spots during track season, like when I ran sub-two minutes in the 800 meters,” Bothwell said. “I am in the best shape of my life going into this first cross country race. My mindset this season has been to not limit myself and have confidence that I can compete at a high level.” 

Bothwell emphasized the need for the individuals to come together as a team with a common goal.

“We also rely on each other to help push our individual limits and we are always here to lift eachother up during our hardest moments,” Bothwell said. “As a team I think we can qualify for regionals.”