Falcon Heights, MN -- Friday, the North Central University (NCU) Cross Country competed at the Roy Griak Invite hosted by the University of Minnesota. In its 39th year, this historic event is widely considered one of the nation's elite cross country competitions. The meet featured teams from all levels of running, including NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, and even high schools. Racing among Division II and other Division III teams, the Rams had 6 total runners compete on today's challenging course. 

The men's squad was led by sophomore Leighton Helander, who clocked a time of 32:59.1 to place 242nd overall in the 8k race. He was followed by sophomore Colton Hagen, finishing in 33:41.8 for 249th place. Junior David Bjorge ran a season-best time of 34:09.9 for 255th, while senior Ryan Azeltine rounded out the Rams' efforts in 36:26.3, placing 269th in a field of 287 runners.

On the women's side, senior Avah Kraushaar continued to pace the Rams, finishing in 30:14.6 to take 241st place in the 6k. Junior Hope Naegelen followed with a time of 34:41.5, placing 261st. The pair represented NCU against a competitive field of 280 runners, giving strong efforts on the challenging Griak course.

Men's Individual 8k Results:

Leighton Helander - 32:59.1, 242nd place
Colton Hagen - 33:41.8, 249th place
David Bjorge - 34:09.9, 255th place
Ryan Azeltine - 36:26.3, 269th place

*287 total runners

Women's Individual 6k Results:

Avah Kraushaar - 30:14.6, 241st place
Hope Naegelen - 34:41.5, 261st Place

*280 total runners

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the teams will run at the Blugold Invite hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire at the Whitetail Golf Course next Friday, October 3rd. 

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.