Led by eleventh year head coach Robin Balder-Lanoue, the College of Saint Benedict cross country team enjoyed a steady stream of success in 2007. Twice Blazers were named MIAC runners of the week, and en route to a fifth place finish at MIAC Championships CSB took three team meet wins.

The Blazers started their 2007 campaign with an impressive showing at the SJU Invitational in Collegeville, Minn. CSB placed 12 runners in the top 25 on the way to winning the team title. Sophomore standout Margot Branigan won the 6K in 23:08, 30 seconds faster than here nearest competition.

For her dominating performance at the SJU Invitational Branigan (left) was selected CSB Athlete of the Week.

CSB delivered their second strong performance of the year on Sept. 14 at the National Catholic Invitational at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. Six runners finished in the top 50 and Branigan struck again, this time posting a win in the 5K in 18:44. For their efforts CSB finished second in the division II portion of the meet.

Branigan’s second consecutive meet win garnered her MIAC cross country athlete of the week on Sept. 20.

The Blazer’s next challenge came in the form of the Roy Griak Invitational in Northfield, Minn. With Branigan finishing 31 and senior Kristin Haubrich close behind in 40 CSB locked down 13 place.

Six top 20 finishers and another meet win came the following week at the Pine Hills Cross Country Invitational in Duluth, Minn. Haubrich (right) lead the way with a fourth place finish with Branigan in fifth and senior Kaylee Rasmussen earning ninth.

For her consecutive impressive performances Haubrich was selected MIAC cross country athlete of the week on Oct. 9.

Haubrich raced to first place at the Crown Invitational with her seven CSB teammates in tow as the Blazers took first through eight and take the meet’s team title.

It was the usual suspects leading the way for CSB at the MIAC Championships in Como Park, Minn. Branigan finished 10 and Haubrich was 20 as the Blazers finished fifth place in the MIAC meet.

CSB wrapped up the 2007 season at the NCAA Central Region Championships in Northfield, Minn. Branigan led the Blazers finishing 15 with Haubrich 27; both were named to the NCAA All-Central Region Team. CSB finished seventh, just one spot out of an NCAA Championship at large birth.