Auburn’s Richardson named all-conference as Bates runner

LEWISTON — Jillian Richardson, of Auburn, was one of two Bates cross-country runners who were named All-New England Small College Atheltic Conference, the school announced.
Richardson, a freshman, is Bates’ first All-NESCAC rookie since the 1990s. She was joined by senior captain Olivia LaMarche in the honor, and had coach Jay Hartshorn was named NESCAC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year.
Richardson and LaMarche gave Bates an All-NESCAC duo for the fourth consecutive year with their performances at Saturday’s NESCAC Championships, hosted by Williams College, by both finishing among the top 8-14 individuals in the conference championship race. Richardson placed ninth out of 146 runners, finishing the 6-kilometer course in 22:45.5, to become Bates’ first All-NESCAC rookie since the 1990s. LaMarche finished in 22:55.4, good for 14th place and her second career All-NESCAC award, following her eighth-place finish in 2017.
Hartshorn was recognized by peer coaches as NESCAC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year for the second time in the past four seasons, as Bates finished in third place at the meet, matching the 2016 team with its best conference finish since 1987. Despite the loss of two two-time All-NESCAC runners to graduation, the Bobcats have come through with an impressive 2019 campaign, rising to No. 16 in the Division III national rankings in the last poll two weeks ago.

PHOTO: Bates cross-country runners, from left, Jilian Richardson, of Auburn, Olivia LaMarche and coach Jay Hortshorn have been honored by the New England Small College Athletic Conference. (Submitted photo)