FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. -- Stepping on the course for the first time since early Sept., the Augustana Cross Country teams didn't miss a beat, outlasting the field and rolling to a pair of titles at the 34th annual Roy Griak Invitational. The men claimed its fourth-straight title and the women's 36 total points are the lowest-ever scored in the Griak DII race. 

 Augustana head coach Tracy Hellman was very proud of the effort and execution from both of his programs today. 

"We are extremely pleased with both team's results today," Hellman said. "Today was our first real test of the season and we came away with positive results. This was a total team effort as our packs in both races performed well. We are excited to move forward but know we still have a long way to go to get to the championship season."

One of the largest races in the country with multiple top-25 programs competing on both sides, the Augustana men and women made a national statement on Saturday. The Vikings men finished with four runners in the top eight, and the women took home nine of the top-22 spots. 

Individually, the Viking men were led by senior Aaron Runge, who finished in 25:10 for runner-up honors. Jesus Urtusuastegui was just a step behind him, finishing in third at 25:17. Nathan Schroeder (25:28) finished in sixth, Matt Steiger (25:37) in eighth, and Henry Klitzke rounded out the top five with a 24th place finish in 26:23. The men finished with 42 points overall. 

Claire Boersma (22:28) finished second overall to lead the women, and her teammates weren't far behind her. In fifth, Cait Savey crossed the line at 22:41 following by Haylee Waterfall (23:01) in 10th. Running as a pack, Nicolette Schmidt (11th, 23:01), Rachel Rairdon (12th, 23:01) and Rebekah Rairdon (13th, 23:04) claimed the next three spots. Megan Means finished in 23:09, which is good for 18th overall. 

Next up, the Vikings head to Romeoville, Illinois, to participate in the Lewis Cross-Over. The event is hosted by Lewis University and is set to start at 9 a.m.