Maplewood, MN -- The North Central University (NCU) Rams Men's and Women's Cross Country teams headed to Battle Creek Park for their first meet of the season against the University of Northwestern (UNW) St. Paul Eagles and the Oak Hills Christian College (OHCC) Wolfpack. North Central's men were runner-up to Northwestern and the women were unable to post a team score.. The Rams' highest finisher was senior Garrett Converse, who placed 2nd overall. 

The men's team was led by senior Garrett Converse, who clocked a solid 18:56 to secure 2nd place overall in the field of 14 runners. Right behind him, sophomore Leighton Helander ran a strong race, finishing in 8th place with a time of 20:13. Newcomer Lucas Pietan was close behind, coming through in 9th at 20:55. Rounding out the Rams' top five were Ryan Azeltine and Colton Hagen, who finished just two seconds apart in 10th and 11th place with times of 21:34 and 21:36, respectively. David Bjorge added a 12th-place finish in 22:19, giving the Rams consistent depth across the lineup in their opening meet.

On the women's side, the Rams were paced by senior Avah Kraushaar, who crossed the line in 25:39 to take 10th place overall out of 18 runners. She was followed by junior Hope Naegelen, who turned in a 13th-place finish in 28:42. Newcomer Olivia Wilson added a 14th-place showing with a time of 30:34, and just one second behind her, teammate Lily Ciske placed 16th at 30:35.

Men's Individual 5k Results:

Garrett Converse - 18:56, 2nd place
Leighton Helander - 20:13, 8th place
Lucas Pietan - 20:55, 9th place
Ryan Azeltine - 21:34, 10th place
Colton Hagen - 21:36, 11th place
David Bjorge - 22:19, 12th place

*14 total runners

Women's Individual 5k Results:

Avah Kraushaar - 25:39, 10th place
Hope Naegelen - 28:42, 13th Place
Olivia Wilson - 30:34, 14th place
Lily Ciske - 30:35, 16th place
Makayla Hess - DNF

*18 total runners

Looking Ahead:

The teams are set to compete in the River Town Invite on Friday, September 12th, at Prescott High School in Prescott, WI. 

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.