Northfield, MN – The North Central University (NCU) Men's and Women's Cross Country teams competed at the St. Olaf Invite hosted by the Oles on Saturday morning. The Rams raced in a competitive field with runners from numerous Division III conferences across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the UMAC, WIAC, and MIAC. Junior Garrett Converse and sophomore Avah Kraushaar were the top finishers for the men's and women's teams, respectively.

Starting off the day, on the women's side, Avah Kraushaar was the first to cross the finish line for the Rams in a time of 27:21.60 and 159th place in a field of over 250 runners. Next for the ladies was newcomer Hope Naegelen who ran a personal best time of 30:59.60 in the 6k race.

In the men's 8k, Garrett Converse led the team in 29:19.80. His time earned him 150th place in a large field of over 300 runners. Next up for NCU was David Bjorge running a 32:32.00 with Leighton Helander close behind finishing in a time of 32:59.70.

Women's 6K Individual Results:

Avah Kraushaar – 27:21.60, 159th place 

Hope Naegelen – 30:59.60, 242nd place 

Anna Russell – 39:16.60, 276th place 

Men's 8K Individual Results:

Garrett Converse – 29:18.80, 150th place 

David Bjorge – 32:32.00, 242nd place 

Leighton Helander – 32:59.70, 248th place 

Colton Hagen - 

Ryan Azeltine – 34:43.50, 272nd place 

Cameron Stout – 36:23.70, 284th place 

Looking Ahead: 

Next up, the Rams travel to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to compete in the Blugold Invite on Friday, October 4th. 

All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on men's and women's cross country and all things NCU Athletics.