SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- It's championship season. That's the mindset and focus for Augustana men's and women's cross country as they prepare for the 2019 NSIC Cross Country Championship. The race takes place Saturday at the Wayne Country Club Golf Course in Wayne, Nebraska. The women's race is set for 11 a.m., with the men's race at 12:15 p.m.

Augustana Cross Country head coach Tracy Hellman is looking forward to the opportunity to compete for a league title.

"We have a storied history of performing well during championship time, and we are motivated to rise up and have our best team performance of the year," Hellman said. "There are outstanding teams and athletes within the NSIC, and we are excited to see our teams perform."

For the Vikings, keep an eye on Nicolette Schmidt on the women's side and Aaron Runge on the men's side. Both student-athletes have had strong seasons for Augustana. 

The Augustana men have an impressive history at the NSIC Championships, winning nine-straight conference titles from 2009 to 2017. The Vikings have also had a string of six-of-seven individual champions from 2010-2017, including three-straight titles from Paul Yak (2011-13).

The Augustana women's cross country team was equally as dominant over the last decade, winning five titles since 2008, including the 2011 DII national championship. Individually, Augustana will be looking to get back on the podium for the first time since Runa Falch, in 2010 & 2011.

In the latest USTFCCCA rankings, the Augustana men stand sixth in the national poll, with the women in fifth. Both programs sport the highest rankings, both regionally and nationally, of all NSIC teams.

Throughout the regular season, the Augustana men and women finished top-three in all three races they participated in. Both programs picked up one team title at the 2019 Roy Griak Invite. 

Following the NSIC Championships, the Viking will race in the NCAA Regionals Nov. 9 in Joplin, Missouri.

For more information on the championships, including a meet program and course map, click here.