MORGANTOWN – Last fall, West Virginia cross country head coach Sean Cleary and standout decided to redshirt standout distance runner Ceili McCabe for the 2023 season. Both to allow her to train for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and to ensure her talent on his roster for the future.
That move worked in the Mountaineers’ favor this season, as Cleary’s squad has reached new heights in 2024.
“We made the decision mutually, and it allowed Ceili to train hard, and she performed very well in Paris,” Cleary said. “I think the stepping stones for our program were placed last season, as that team ran very well, and Ceili would’ve certainly helped us then. But thank goodness we decided because this season, we’ve been able to reach a whole new level.”
McCabe captured her third individual Big 12 championship this season after winning in 2021 and 2022. She also took home her third regional title of her career.
Along with McCabe, who has consistently been ranked among the top runners individually in the country for the past few years, freshman Joy Naukot has emerged as a clear No. 2 for Cleary and the Mountaineers.
The Kapenguria, Kenya native placed third in the field at the Big 12 championships and sixth in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional.
WVU had five runners in the top 13 spots to claim its first regional title since 2008.
“Cross country is a unique sport because it comes down to where your final few runners end up,” Cleary said. “Of course, we have Ceili with us, and Joy had an incredible freshman season, but those other few (Emily Bryce, Sarah Tait, Maddison Trippett) have been our rock this season, and it gives them comfort knowing they have two others running ahead of them who are doing their job and getting across the line.”
Saturday’s race will be held on the Thomas Zimmer Championship Course in Verona, Wisconsin. The women’s Division-I race will begin at 10:20 a.m.
McCabe says she is familiar with the course and that it certainly brings its challenges. The colder weather may also cause some unexpected issues if runners aren’t adequately prepared.
“It’s sort of the traditional cross-country courses, but one of the nicer ones you’ll find around the country,” she said. “It isn’t too flat to where it becomes easy, but there isn’t a dramatic elevation change, so it’s a fair course. The finish can also be exciting, with a bit of a climb and wide lanes.”
“If we step up to the line ready to go and take care of what we can control, I think we will like the outcome,” Cleary said. “Some teams will exceed expectations, and some teams will fall short. I think we have what it takes to be one of those that makes some noise.”
