Indiana Contingent Fares Well at NXN



In the 2nd best finish at Nike Cross Nationals by an Indiana native, Erin Strzelecki earned an All-American finish at Nike Cross Nationals, crossing the line in 17:51.30 for 11th place. Not far behind her, Annalyssa Crain came in 16th in 17:58.80. 

Just about 40 seconds behind these two, Zoe Duffus of FW Carroll came across in 18:32.90 for 41st place overall. 

Course conditions on Saturday afternoon weren't ideal for strong performances, as there was pouring rain throughout the day with pools of standing water in spots. 

All three girls qualified for a spot at NXN from the Midwest Regional placing 5th, 6th and 7th. Duffus had to wait a couple days post race to get the official confirmation that she would make the trip with the other two, due to Zofia Dudek, the winner of the Midwest Region, having earned the opportunity to race for Poland this weekend in the European Championships. 

Strzelecki and Crain's top 20 finishes earned them All-American status. Crain's placement puts her as the 4th best Indiana girl individual ever, Strzelecki's placement leaves her as the No. 2 IN girl. 

As long as the dive into past results proved correct, these three made history. This is the first time that three Indiana female individuals have earned a trip to Nike Cross Nationals. The other times that more than three girls from Indiana competed, were when the Carmel Greyhounds made the trip out. 

Annalyssa Crain will race once more at Foot Locker Nationals next weekend.