Winthrop, MN -- Friday, the North Central University (NCU) Cross Country competed at this year's UMAC Championships hosted by the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. The men placed 7th overall, and the women were unable to post a team score. The highlight of the meet came from a strong group effort on the men's side, as the Rams packed tightly through their top four finishers. Four of the men ran season-best 8k times, with a career-best from sophomore Colton Hagen.

On the men's side, junior David Bjorge led the Rams across the line with a new season-best time of 30:37.8 to place 34th overall in the field of 62 runners. Close behind, sophomore Leighton Helander finished in 37th with another season-best of 30:52.7, just fifteen seconds off Bjorge's pace. Senior Garrett Converse and sophomore Colton Hagen maintained NCU's steady pack presence, placing 42nd and 45th, respectively, both coming through the chute within a minute of one another. Rounding out the Rams' scoring lineup was senior Ryan Azeltine, who clocked a season-best 33:22.8 to take 53rd. The men's consistent grouping and late-season cohesion marked an encouraging finish to their conference campaign.

For the women, senior Avah Kraushaar continued to pace the Rams, finishing 46th overall with a time of 29:34.4 in the 6k race. Junior Hope Naegelen rounded out the NCU contingent, placing 58th at 32:15.2. Despite not recording a team score, both Kraushaar and Naegelen showcased determination and perseverance in a competitive conference field, finishing their seasons with strong efforts on a challenging course.

Men's Individual 8k Results:

*David Bjorge - 30:37.8, 34th place
*Leighton Helander - 30:52.7, 37th place
Garrett Converse - 31:27.0, 42nd place
**Colton Hagen - 31:35.2, 45th place
*Ryan Azeltine - 33:22.8, 53rd place

62 total runners | *Season-best  | **Career-best 

Women's Individual 6k Results:

Avah Kraushaar - 29:34.4, 46th place
Hope Naegelen - 32:15.2, 58th place

61 total runners

Looking Ahead:

With the conclusion of this meet, the Rams wrap up their 2025 season.

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.