SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — It was a near perfect night at Yankton Trail Park as the Augustana men's and women's Cross Country teams started off their 2018 season at the Augustana Twilight meet. 
 
The evening races featured more than 2,000 high school and collegiate student-athletes competing from all around the region, including some of the nations best from DI, DII, and the NAIA. The Vikings used a pack mentality to finish strong, coming in 4th overall on both the men and women's side.
 
Men's 7K race:
The Vikings men entered 12 student-athletes into the event, and ultimately finished as a family with six individuals crossing the finish line within all within one second. It was Junior Aaron Runge (22:36.71) leading the way in 26th place overall, but Jesus Urtusuastegui (22:36.90, 27th), Wyatt McLeod (22:37.18, 28th), Nathan Schroeder (22:37.24, 29th), Reed Kurak (22:37.28, 30th), and Ryley Nelson (22:37.62, 30th) all finished right behind him overall.
 
The family mentally helped lead the Vikings to a 4th place finish, averaging a time of 22:37.7. Augustana placed ahead of two division one teams in South Dakota and Creighton. The Nebraska men won the team event, and Sioux Falls junior Mason Phillips took individuals honors, finishing in 21:14.12.

Complete men's results here


 
Women's 5K race:
On the women's side, the Vikings started off strong and utilized the pack running style to the full extent. With 16 student-athletes in the event, it was Emily Tromp taking home the top-time and 23rd overall at 18:47.25. However, the junior was followed closely by eight other Vikings, all who finished within the top-41 runners overall.
 
Sophomore Alana Sesow (18:47.36, 24th) along with Claire Boersma (25th), Nicolette Schmidt (18:47.73, 27th) Courtney Hottovy (18:47.87, 28th), and Mackenzie Kelly (18:47.93, 29th), all finished within one second of Tromp. Overall, the Viking women placed 4th with an average time of 18:47.39.
 
On the women's team side, it was South Dakota taking the overall title. The Yotes got four runners in the top six, including individual champion Megan Billington (17:12.50).

Complete women's results here
 


Next up, the Augustana men's and women's cross country teams head to Minnesota where they will run in the 33rd annual Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, MN.