Colfax, WI -- Friday, the North Central University (NCU) Cross Country competed at the Blugold Invite hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. On the men's side, Leighton Helander led the team with his third-straight top finish, while Avah Kraushaar once again paced the women with a steady performance.

The men's 8k race saw sophomore Leighton Helander continue to be the frontrunner for NCU, clocking in at 33:49.7 to place 172nd overall. He was followed by junior David Bjorge, who crossed in 36:32.3 for 183rd place. Rounding out the Rams' lineup was senior Ryan Azeltine, who finished in 38:45.2 to claim 188th.

In the women's 6k, senior Avah Kraushaar set the pace for the Rams with a time of 31:31.1, securing 109th place in the 125-runner field. Junior Hope Naegelen followed as NCU's second finisher, running 33:51.7 to place 117th.

Men's Individual 8k Results:

Leighton Helander - 33:49.7, 172nd place
David Bjorge - 36:32.3, 183rd place
Ryan Azeltine - 38:45.2, 188th place

*192 total runners

Women's Individual 6k Results:

Avah Kraushaar - 31:31.1, 109th place
Hope Naegelen - 33:51.7, 117th place

*125 total runners

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the teams race at the Kent Finanger Invite hosted by Luther College. The meet will take place on Friday, October 24th, at the Calonett Estate in Waseca, MN. 

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.