Catie Bertges
Bertges was a program-defining athlete on the Behrend cross country and track & field teams from 2010-14. She was the first-ever female cross-country athlete to qualify for NCAA Division III Championships with an 11th place finish at the Mid-East Regionals. Bertges was a two-time AMCC Cross Country Runner of the Year and Champion in 2013. She was a three-time team MVP in cross country and a four-time All-Conference selection. In track & field, Bertges was a three-time Mason Dixon Champion and six-time All-Conference choice. She holds the program outdoor record in the 10K, while setting three indoor records.
Bertges is a true cornerstone of the wide-ranging success the programs have enjoyed. She is one of the premier distance runners and a pioneer in women’s cross country and track & field.
Although she drew the well-warranted attention, Bertges had a humble and quiet demeanor on the course and track. She led the Lions to back-to-back championships in cross country her last two seasons. Individually, only 43 seconds separated Bertges from claiming her first AMCC Championship during her sophomore season and 29 seconds her junior year to claim runner up. Bertges’ efforts her junior year warranted Runner of the Year honors to go with the team title.
In her senior season, Bertges won three races including the AMCC Championship with a time of 22:34, a time that ranks as the second-fastest time in the AMCC to date. She earned her second Runner of the Year accolades before making her way to the national stage.
Bertges’ success translated to the track with more All-Conference honors and a three-time Mason Dixon Champion, twice in the 5K and once in the 10K. She set the 3K and 5K indoor record and still holds the 4x800 relay record. In four years, she qualified for ECAC Championships 10 times and was an All-ECAC choice on three occasions.
Bertges' achievements are yet another jewel in the crown of the Behrend women's cross country and track & field program. Not only does her 10K record still stand, but she holds six of the top eight times in that event. Bertges’ outdoor 5K time currently ranks fourth on the all-time charts and her indoor 5K time ranks second. Her indoor 3K time is fourth best all-time.