UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.— The Penn State women's cross country team showed up big on Friday morning, earning a first place win on its home course at the National Open, their second team win of the 2019 season.
Kathryn Munks finished first overall breaking the tape with a time of 20:13, in what was the was just the first of many exciting moments for the squad. Julia Paternain, Alison Willingmyre, and Danae Rivers were not far behind finishing fifth through seventh overall in the race for the Nittany Lions. Leading to a team full of smiles and support as every member finished the race.
Munks was excited yet bittersweet about her win knowing that it was her last time racing on her home course. She has been a competitive runner all four years and is sad to go after this year. Finishing first was just another amazing memory that she will be able to look back on when she is reminiscing on her time in a Penn State uniform.
"It is always great to run on our home course and for me this is my last one so it was emotional before knowing that this was going to my last time," Munks said.
As Munks ran her heart out for her final National Open, her coaches were right by her side cheering her on as they gave her inspirational words and telling her that her team was not far behind.
"It is always awesome to break the tape and my coaches kept telling me that my teammates were running well behind me so that was a great motivator," she said.
Munks was ready to run up the final hill near the finish line due to the fact that her team just recently practiced on this hill and learned how to push their energy when closing off their race.
"We have been doing some great workouts and the team has been motoring through every day and our workouts on this course help us so much," she said. "Running on this home course is how I get hype before the meet because I know exactly what is coming."
Every member of this cross country team can agree with Munks when she emphasizes that there is no better feeling than running at home. They all specify that they feel most comfortable and confident when Penn State fans surround the golf course to support them as they run.
While Munks took the top spot, she wasn't the only Nittany Lion to have a strong day and end it filled with excitement.
Willingmyre was eager to express her excitement for this team as she spoke so highly about her junior classmate Paternain. These two know how to push each other so that they run to the best of their abilities. Paternian only being a couple of steps in front of Willingmyre helped her cross that finish line yet a little quicker.
"Julia and I train a lot together and during workouts we are right by each other's side so if I keep up with her during workouts then I know I can do it during the meet," Willingmyre said.
Willingmyre crossed the finish line and she only took two seconds to catch her breath before she turned around to see who the next Penn State finisher was. That training and bond is evident as these women are like sisters with the support that they show each other as they each finish their own race.
"As I cross the finish I, the first thing I do is turn around and see who is going to come in next because it's all about the team," she said.
While there is excitement in a first place team finish, the team is ready for the next step.
They are excited to move forward and see what is in store. Munks was able to confidentially say that the sky is the limit for this group.
As the season continues, they have a few weeks off and will continue to prepare for their next meet in Ohio for the Big Ten Championships on Sunday, November 3rd.
