On Nov. 15, the men’s and women’s cross-country teams competed at the NCAA MidAtlantic Regional meet at Big Spring High School, delivering performances that exceeded expectations and closed out the season strongly. Against challenging competition and difficult terrain, both teams ran with confidence and used the momentum they had built throughout the fall.
The men’s 8k race began at 11 a.m., with juniors Derek Kendig and Will Inglis leading the Blue Jays. Both athletes went into the meet with specific race plans tailored to the course’s unique challenges. Kendig aimed to settle into the top pack early without pushing himself too far, while Inglis intended to stay on his teammate and remain within striking distance for as long as possible.
“I went out with the plan I had; I was going to go out the first mile no faster than five [minutes] flat,” Kendig said. “I made an effort to move up in the woods, and by the time we were out of there and up to Kill Hill I was close to the front pack.”
Big Spring’s layout is known for its rolling terrain, tight wooded sections and the punishing incline known as “Kill Hill.” The climb often becomes a decisive moment for the race, testing athletes’ strength and race management. For Kendig and Inglis, it became an opportunity. Both Blue Jays surged up the hill, using the ascent as a springboard to move past their competitors.
“It’s not the best race of my life, but I’d put it up there with some of my top efforts,” Kendig said, reflecting on his performance and the way he handled the critical moments of the course.
The duo’s aggressive racing paid off. Kendig crossed the line in thirteenth place, with Inglis close behind in nineteenth. Their finishes earned them all-region honors and provided crucial low scores that lifted the Blue Jays to a ninth-place team finish out of 35 programs. The result matches the team’s impressive standing from last year and continues their trend of consistency in one of the NCAA’s more competitive regions.
With their strong individual performances, both Kendig and Inglis qualified for the NCAA Division III National Championship meet in Spartanburg, South Carolina. They will represent the Blue Jays on Saturday, Nov. 22. This is the first time two Elizabethtown men have qualified for nationals since Nick Garrett and Christian Schaaf in 2022.
While only the top two Blue Jays advanced, the full men’s squad contributed to the successful team finish, showing depth throughout the lineup and putting together one of their best collective efforts of the entire season.
