Henseler Qualifies for NCAA Championships, Carey-Tharp and Incorvaia Earn All-Region Honors

BETHLEHEM, PA – The University of Pittsburgh cross country teams competed in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships at the Goodman Campus Cross Country Course, Friday afternoon.

The women’s squad finished in seventh place in the Championship 6K with 145 points. Sadie Carey-Tharp crossed the finish line in 20:19.4, solidifying 17^th place. Winnie Incorvaia finished in 22^nd place with a time of 20:31.5. Both Carey-Tharp and Incorvaia ran new personal bests and earned All-Region honors for their efforts.

“Winnie and Sadie took very nice steps this fall as runners and the work they put in is paying off,” said head coach Griff Graves. “They have even more to come down the road, I’m super excited for both of them.”

Freshmen Camy Kiser, 26^th place, 20:46.0, and Olivia Bufalini, 29^th place, 20:49.3, came just shy of making the All-Region team in their first NCAA Regional appearances. Collectively, the Pitt women improved on their 2022 finish by three spots.

The men’s team notched seventh place as well, with 175 points. Luke Henseler ran his best 10K race to date. His fifth-place, personal best time of 29:30.3 landed him a spot in the NCAA Cross Country Championships at Panorama Farms in Charlottesville, Va. next Saturday, November 18^th. This is the second consecutive year that Henseler has earned All-Region and qualified for NCAA Championships.

“Luke has worked so hard and been super committed over the past few years” said Graves. “He is incredibly consistent and has earned it every step of the way. Consistency is key and that shows in who he has become as a runner.” 

Jack Miller, who hadn’t raced since September 29^th due to injury, finished in 36^th place with a time of 30:39.8. Sam Otis and Quintin Gatons each had strong showings. Otis was the third Panther to cross the line. He ran a personal best 30:41.6, finishing immediately after Miller in 37^th place. Gatons ended up in 41^st place with a personal best of his own, 30:51.1.

“I walked into a great situation when I accepted the position at Pitt,” stated Graves. “The culture on both sides is healthy and thriving, which is the biggest piece. Some nice steps were taken individually and collectively on both sides this season. We will continue to develop habits of confidence and…