KENOSHA, WI - "Little Emily never would have believed that this would be possible."

Said Emily Bowers (Silver Creek, N.Y./Silver Creek), moments after crossing the finish line at the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships.

It seemed too good to be true: at the start line, in just her sophomore season, competing against the best teams and individuals across the country.

Emily Bowers (Silver Creek, N.Y./Silver Creek) lived her dream on Saturday. 

Taking to the course as the first ever female cross country student-athlete at Gannon to take part in this race, Bowers competed at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Kenosha, WI. The sophomore earned a time of 21:44.0, good for a top 100 finish of 91st place in a field of 263 competitions. 

"To compete amongst the best runners in the country is something I've dreamed of, but never thought to be a reality," said Bowers. "I soaked in every single moment and truly enjoyed myself on the course."

Bowers, who earned her spot after a runner-up finish in the Atlantic Regional, was third among all regional qualifiers from the Atlantic. The top placer from the Atlantic region came in 60th. 

"It's not often you get to compete amongst the best of the best," added Bowers. "So, when you get that opportunity, you have to embrace it and cherish it. This was an experience I'll never forget and I hope to have again in the future."

The final three meets of the season are among, if not right at the top of the list of postseason performances from a Gannon harrier. Bowers won the PSAC Championship meet in Edinboro on October 25th before earning a runner up finish at the regional, in which she missed the top spot by half a second. 

"We're incredibly thankful for the support and thrilled that Emily earned the right to compete today," said head coach Rob Ahrens. "I really believe she made the most of her opportunity today."

OFFICIAL RESULTS
GU - Emily Bowers (Silver Creek, N.Y./Silver Creek) - 91st/263 competitions (21:44.0)