It was hard to ignore the commotion on Nov. 10, as our two Ole cross-country teams hosted the NCAA Division III Central Region Championships. Teams from all over the Midwest flocked to the Hill for a chance to advance to nationals. Both of our squads were hopeful going into the regional meet, as the men took home first, while the women placed second.
On Nov. 10, the Ole men’s cross-country team took home the NCAA Division III Central Region Championship title. St. Olaf hosted the regional meet after finishing second at the MIAC Championship. The victory means that our Ole running men will advance to the NCAA DIII Championship in Terre Haute, Ind. on Nov. 17. The men’s team finished with 70 points with the help of sophomore Grant Wintheiser who finished at 25:20.0, taking home the regional title. Brian Saksa (’14), Jake Campbell (’16), Tim Lillhehaugen (’13) and Chris Massey (’13) were the other five Ole runners, finishing 11th, 15th, 17th and 26th, respectively. Wintheiser was also the MIAC’s individual champion and earned the honor of MIAC’s most valuable athlete. Phil Lundin was also lauded with the coach of the year award.
The women’s cross-country team has also had a successful season and will be travelling to Indiana on Nov. 17 for nationals. The team placed second in the MIAC Championships, losing to Gustavus by only three points. The team had seven runners in the top 28, including Jorden Johnsen (’15) who placed second overall and Emma Lee (’13) who snatched up third place. St. Olaf played host to the NCAA Division III Central Region Championships and the Oles, once again, placed second, behind Wartburg. Lee had another praiseworthy finish at regionals as the senior runner garnered fifth and Johnsen (’15) took seventh. Becca Bevans (’13), Maggie Exner (’14) and Andi Gomoll (’13), each finished 14th, 27th and 42nd, respectively. This will be the Oles’ fourth year in a row to appear at nationals.
Good luck to all of the Ole runners representing St. Olaf this weekend at Nationals. UM YAH YAH!