Galligan siblings make history at nationals

SYDNEY LORENTZ
STAFF WRITER

On Saturday, Nov. 17, siblings Liam and Grace Galligan represented Franciscan University of Steubenville at the NCAA Division III National Championships held in Oshkosh, WI. This was only the third time in program history that the university has sent runners to nationals, the last time being in 2012.

On the women’s side, senior Grace Galligan started out strong in an extremely competitive and aggressive field. Battling cold weather conditions and a large front pack, the senior was able to pull out an impressive 24th place finish in a time of 21:45. This 45-second personal record for Grace Galligan was enough to earn her the school record for the 6k race.

This performance also earned the senior outstanding All-American honors. This is the first time in history that any Franciscan University female athlete has earned this honor. Finishing out her very last cross-country race ever, Grace Galligan brought a spectacular conclusion to an unforgettable season and amazing running career.

Being the lone runner on the men’s side, sophomore Liam Galligan followed up with an impressive performance in the men’s 8k race. Starting off the race with a tough false start, the sophomore pulled out an incredible race, finishing in 63rd place, the best Franciscan men’s finish in program history. Liam Galligan crossed the line in a time of 25:20 in a close-knit pack.

The siblings from Springfield, PA, represented their university and team well in the strongest finish at NCAA Nationals in program history. This brings a conclusion to what has been an incredible and unforgettable season for the running Barons.