KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Bushnell University junior Rebecca Kuskie earned All-Conference honors on Friday as she took fifth-place at the Cascade Collegiate Conference championships, taking place at Running Y Ranch.
Kuskie crossed the finish line in 19:31.90 and earned an automatic selection for the NAIA National Championship as she was one of the highest individual runners from a team that will not qualify for the final race.
“Rebecca ran her best race in a Beacon uniform today,” said head coach Tom Boldon. “On a slow, muddy, hilly, and windy course, she kept moving up all race long and truly earned her fifth-place finish as she chased down last year’s conference champion at the finish line.
The Beacons took eighth-place in the race, scoring 194 to easily out-pace Corban University in eighth with 220.
Isabell Webber was the second finisher for the Beacons in 45th (21:49.00) followed by Skye Urban in 52nd (22:17.60).
“Isabell has been so consistent the last three meets and we are so blessed to have her return this year,” said Boldon. “The surprise performance was Skye who probably had her best race ever. She has been moving up all season long.”
Also scoring points for the Beacons were Hannah Scott in 54th (22:34.50) and Aneykah McCall in 56th (22:39.20).
Kennedy Larson (65th), Kaitlin Cook (70th), and Liz Jarvis (72nd) also ran for the Beacons. Boldon said, “I am especially proud of Kennedy who ran her first race in a few months and came in as our sixth runner.”
The field for the NAIA Championship will officially be set on Tuesday and will include Kuskie.
She will race at Fort Vancouver, in Vancouver, Washington, on Nov. 19.
