Cyclones peak at cross country nationals

At the biggest race of the year and their running careers – the NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championship – two runners from the Moraine Valley men's cross country team ran their best on an overcast, cool day at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama, on Nov. 11.

Sophomore Jack Kajmowicz (Lockport) and freshman Andrew Sima (Shepard) were poised for fast times. All season they practice on hilly terrain, so this unfamiliar undulating course was no match for the duo. They practiced on the John Hunt course and gained confidence days before the race.

Kajmowicz capped a successful season, and his Cyclone career, in 95th place out of 291 runners in 27:36.0 – a personal best. Sima crossed the line in 139th place in 28:35.4.

“Nationals is always a really fast start, We talked about going out fast but controlled that first mile, and it served them well. While many people were falling back, Jack and Andrew were passing people the whole race. After the first mile Jack passed 34 people and Andrew passed 22,” said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas. “Jack ending his career as a Cyclone with a PR is the cherry on top of everything he’s accomplished with us. I’m so proud he can walk away with his head held high. Andrew showed the kind of mental toughness I expect from him. He was nervous going into it but was able to manage his emotions. Even though he just missed his PR, I believe it was his best race of the season and a great way to cap his first season of collegiate running.”

Both runners finished better compared to other NJCAA Region 4 competitors than at the region championship.

“I was extremely nervous but it was all worthwhile in the end because I got here with my training and hard work,” Sima said. “I never thought I’d be here racing against the country. It was an insane, eye-opening experience and really fun.”

“I was prepared, and it felt amazing. I couldn’t have done it without the team and coaches,” Kajmowicz said. “I’ll miss running at Moraine Valley.”

“If I had to describe this nationals trip in a word it would be success,” Dimizas added. “The race itself is one part of the experience, but spending time with the athletes and learning more about them outside of the few hours a day we practice is just as important for myself and for them.”