256Athletics DETERMINATION Sophomore Kaylie Washko and freshman Jessica Chappell accomplish new goals in the 2023 cross country season. Harding’s women’s cross-country team finished the regular season with a performance at the Old Glory Gallop 5K cross-country race at Dallas Baptist University. Head coach Don Hood appreciated the contributions of freshmen and transfer students in all four meets this season. “I’ve been pleased with how our newcomers have adapted and performed in a new system and at a new school,” Hood said. “We have good depth on both teams. That’s not something we’ve had in the past.” One of those newcomer runners was freshman Jessica Chappell, who achieved several goals while on the team. Chappell finished second among Harding runners to sophomore Kaylie Washko, with individual finishes of 41st, second, 42nd and 17th in each of the races. “Running is what keeps me going,” Chappell said. “The team is great, too. We’re always there for each other and supporting each other through whatever we’re going through.” As a team, the Bisons placed fourth out of 33 teams, with Chappell and Washko leading the group. Washko was recently awarded the Great American Conference (GAC) Runner of the Week award for the week of Sept. 27. “It felt amazing to win and to bring that award to Harding,” Washko said. “My goal is to continue to improve my times for the 5K at Conference and 6K at Regionals.” Washko’s performance at the Dallas Baptist University meet was one of her better performances of the year, and she looked forward to improving more at the GAC Championships on Oct. 21. “This last cross country meet in Dallas was one of the best 5Ks for me, as I both set a personal record and also placed high enough to be honored at the awards ceremony,” Washko said. “I’m hoping to improve my speed, as I feel like my endurance is really great, but that extra speed would be amazing.” Hood said Washko’s work ethic set her apart, and he appreciated her contributions to the team. “Kaylie is a relentless competitor and worker,” Hood said. “She has a great desire to be the best she can be, so she lives the lifestyle and does the training that is required for that.” While the team prepared for the GAC championships, Chappell wanted the team to grow closer together at the close of another successful season. “Our goal as a team is just to become more confident in ourselves and keep each other going,” Chappell said. “Sometimes I have a lot of anxiety right before a race, but everyone is there for me. Whenever the gun goes off and I run that first minute, it all goes away and I’m able to run at my pace and it takes me where I want to go.” The GAC Championships were held in Russellville, Arkansas. The runners who advanced further went to the NCAA regionals Nov. 4, which was hosted in Joplin, Missouri. Written by Eli Dean & “1982 was the season that almost failed to happen in women’s cross country. | At the beginning of the fall semester, only one letterman, Marla Upton, had reported to coach Ted Lloyd. Several of the performers from last year’s NAIA District 17 Championship team had graduated, several did not return to school, others were more concerned with studies. Around the AIC Arkansas College was again fielding a team, and Hendrix was talking about it, but the other schools were fielding only men’s cross country squads. But instead of being discouraged, senior Marla Upton found ways to overcome adversity. Bubbling with enthusiasm about running and women’s sports, she quickly spread the word to other female athletes on campus that help was needed. And by the end of the first week of school, the beginnings of a team had assembled. Although most the newcomers had little experience, they had determination ... and motivation.” Reprinted from Petit Jean 1982-1983 DISTANCE
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