Waseca, MN -- Friday, the North Central University (NCU) Cross Country competed at the Kent Finanger Invite hosted by Luther College in Waseca, MN. The meet featured a pair of 4k races at the scenic Calonett Estate. NCU had a total of 5 Rams competing in today's meet. Following the races, North Central's Colton Hagen and Hope Naegelen were awarded the Coach Finanger Spirit Award. 

On the men's side, senior Garrett Converse led the Rams with a time of 14:59.2, finishing 57th overall and setting the tone for NCU's strong pack running. Just seconds behind was sophomore Colton Hagen at 15:03.9 in 60th, maintaining excellent pace through the middle stages of the race. Sophomore Leighton Helander continued his consistent season with a 63rd-place finish in 15:11.2, closing the team's top three within 12 seconds of each other. Rounding out the lineup, senior Ryan Azeltine clocked 16:28.6 to take 78th, helping NCU secure a tight team effort among 88 total competitors.

Head Coach Delaney Butler awarded Hagen the Finanger Spirit Award and had this to say about the sophomore: "I chose Colton because of his immense growth from freshman year to this year as a leader and as a competitor. Colton has a full-time internship, a part-time job, a full class schedule, and makes it to practice, seeing improvement. I have been continually impressed by how he has taken on challenges, and I am excited to continue seeing his growth on this team. We are so blessed by him!"

In the women's 4k race, junior Hope Naegelen represented the Rams as the lone NCU finisher, crossing the line in 21:12.0 for 67th place out of 79 total runners. Naegelen continued to show consistency in her pacing and determination, building momentum toward the final stretch of the season as she prepares for the upcoming regional meet.

Coach Butler awarded Naegelen the Spirit Award and had this to say about the junior: "I chose Hope for this award because no matter the circumstances, she shows up with a smile and she pushes herself outside of her comfort zone every day. She wants to get better and better herself through her sport, through choir, her teammates/peers, and in everything she does. She is a light on this team, and we are blessed by her and her contributions to the building of this women's cross country team!"

Men's Individual 4k Results:

Garrett Converse - 14:59.2, 57th place
Colton Hagen - 15:03.9, 60th place
Leighton Helander - 15:11.2, 63rd place
Ryan Azeltine - 16:28.6, 78th place

*88 total runners

Women's Individual 4k Results:

Hope Naegelen - 21:12.0, 67th place

*79 total runners

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the teams race at the NCCAA Regional hosted by Emmaus Bible College. The meet will take place on Friday, October 24th, at the Dubuque Soccer Complex in Dubuque, IA.

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.