For the first time since 2019, Rowan women’s cross country has won the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championships. Led by senior Mia Guerra, the Profs racked up a total of 30 points; second place had 56. Guerra finished in first place with a top time of 22:10.7. 

“At the moment, I was confused that I even won,” Guerra said. “It definitely felt surreal. Coming in my freshman year, I used to talk about how fast all the girls older than me were, so to go out there now and run that fast was definitely unexpected. I expected to be third or fourth honestly.”

Everyone was impressed with Guerra’s performance, especially head coach Shedrick Elliott III.

“Guerra is very smart and strategic when it comes to races,” Elliot III said. “She doesn’t let the moment get the best of her and she focuses on her strengths. To see her do that and win an individual conference title is extremely impressive.”

Heading into the race, Guerra felt mixed emotions. She puts an immense amount of pressure on herself because she wants to achieve the high goals that she sets for herself. Questions of doubt began to cross her mind, but the fact that she knew the team as a whole was good enough to win calmed her down.

“Going in I was happy and nervous,” Guerra said. “I knew we could win even if I didn’t have an amazing race.”

The highlight for Guerra after taking first place was celebrating with her family and teammates afterward. The senior’s parents waited for her at the finish line, and knowing that they were waiting there gave Guerrero an adrenaline boost heading into the last loop.

“Sharing that excitement with my parents when I came in was fun,” Guerra said. “It was a good day, I was really happy and my parents were really happy… I was more excited to win as a team than individually. As a team, overall this is what we wanted. Celebrating with the team, and jumping up and down made it one of the most memorable moments of my cross-country career.”

The victory also marked the first NJAC victory for Elliot III as Rowan’s coach, and he attributed the team’s success to assistant coach Eric Dubois and the team’s work ethic.

“To see the culmination of all the work they put in beyond this year was great to see,” Elliot III said.  “Their joy, celebration, and passion for finally winning it makes the win feel that much better.”

In the meet, four of the top five runners were a part of Rowan. Behind Guerra in first, Ally Wernik placed second with a time of 22:19.9, Anna Sasse was fourth clocking in at 22:35.5, and Gabriella Pagano’s time of 22:52.9 ranked fifth.

The Profs will be back in action on Nov. 16 at the NCAA Metro Regional. The event will take place in Galloway, New Jersey at Stockton University.

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