Arteaga Claims Title at Grand View Invitational

Celeste Arteaga

Drake women’s cross country team student-athetes finished first, second, third  and just missed a perfect score with a commanding performance Friday at the Grand View Invitational at Ewing Park in Des Moines.

Freshman Celeste Arteaga (Rock Island, Ill.) stormed her way to her first collegiate win in a time of 19:08 on the 5 kilometer course. She was followed by teammate Amanda Marwitz‘s (Crystal Lake, Ill.) in 19:12 as the two traded places for much of the race. Fellow freshman Emma Huston(Des Moines, Iowa) gave another impressive performance in her first season on her way to a third place finish in 19:26.

“I’m kind of speechless right now,” Arteaga said following her first-place effort. “I’m a little surprised, but I’m really happy. I was striving to be in the top-five and I got first.”

Aside from her impressive physical performance, Marwitz’ leadership stood out as well on the afternoon.

“I told our team, I think we can do something special.” Marwitz said. “We really have a chance not just to win this, but to maybe even get the perfect 15. I know we came just shy but I’m really proud of everyone.”

Drake scored two more than the perfect score, 17. Aside from the top-three, freshman Cassie Aerts (David City, Neb.) finished fifth in 19:48 and fellow freshman Emma Johnson (Mora, Minn.) finished sixth in 19:50.

With Drake’s annual Parents’ Weekend coming up many of the student-athletes shone in front of their respective families.

A handful of Bulldogs were given the afternoon off from competition in preparation for the Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis, Minn., next Saturday (Sept. 29).

Grand View Invitational
Des Moines, Iowa
8 Kilometers
Drake Results
1. Celeste Arteaga, 19:08
2. Amanda Marwitz, 19:12
3. Emma Huston, 19:26
5. Cassie Aerts. 19:48
6. Emma Johnson, 19:50
7. Allie Heifner, 19:57
8. Erin Dobey, 20:02
10. Stephanie Parks, 20:14
13. Cammy Dole, 20:42
16. Juli Smith, 20:51
18. Laura Gann, 20:56

Team Results
1.      Drake, 17 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6)
2.      Mount Mercy, 56
3.      Grand View, 86
4.      Niace, 121
5.      Graceland, 128
6.      Southwestern CC, 148
7.      DMACC, 185