NEW ORLEANS, LA. -- For the first time since 2014, the Augustana women's cross country team is the top team in the NCAA DII Central Region rankings. The Vikings, who also jumped from 10th to fifth in the national poll, moved ahead of UMary for the top regional spot. The five-spot advancement is the second-highest in this week's poll.

On the men's side, despite a win last weekend, the Vikings remained steady in both the national poll (7th) and regional poll (2nd). In both polls, the Vikings sit one spot behind Missouri Southern.

The Augustana women took control of the No. 1 spot in the region after a commanding win over No. 2 UMary last weekend at the Roy Griak Invitational.  The Vikings, whose 36 total points are the lowest-ever scored in the Griak DII race, were led by six finishers in the top 13. Claire Boersma (22:28) finished second overall followed by Cait Savey (22:41) in fifth and Haylee Waterfall (23:01) in 10th. 

The Viking men capped off a historic weekend with their fourth-straight Griak title. Augustana finished with four runners in the top eight and was led by senior Aaron Runge (25:10), who finished with runner-up honors. Jesus Urtusuastegui finished in third at 25:17.

The Vikings now turn their focus to the Lewis Cross-Over on Oct. 12. Located in Romeoville, Illinois, the event is hosted by Lewis University and is set to start at 9 a.m.

About the USTFCCA
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) is a non-profit professional organization representing cross country and track & field coaches of all levels. The organization represents thousands of coaching members encompassing NCAA track & field programs (DI, DII, and DIII) and includes members representing the NAIA and NJCAA, as well as a number of state high school coaches associations.