SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Ranked top-10 in the USTFCCCA preseason poll, both the Augustana men's and women's cross country teams start their 2019 seasons with high expectations. The six-meet, three-month slate officially begins on Friday night under the lights at the Augustana Twilight at Yankton Trails Park. 

The ninth annual Twilight is expected to attract more than 65 high school teams and 25 college programs. In total, nearly 5,000 participants, coaches, and fans will attend on Friday evening. The evening starts with a high school JV race at 6 p.m., and concludes with the Men's Four Mile at approximately 9 p.m. For a complete schedule and additional information, click here. 

Fans are reminded that vendors from Runners Block, Kettle Corn, Shaved Ice, Yellow Submarine, and Backyard BBQ will be available on Friday. Admission to the park for the event is $10 per vehicle.  Fans and spectators will be asked to pay on entry to the park.

Both programs are coming off solid seasons and are looking to take the next step this fall. Following team camp in the Black Hills, Augustana head coach Tracy Hellman is looking forward to the upcoming season.

"We are excited to race and host the annual Augustana Twilight at Yankton Trails," Hellman said. "The twilight has been a great kick-off to the cross country season, and we are looking forward to hosting another awesome environment this year. With a record number of teams and athletes competing, we expect the 2019 Twilight to be the best yet."

Looking at the men's program overall, the Vikings return five student-athletes that were named all-conference and NCAA DII All-Region last year. In 2018, senior Aaron Runge finished 72nd at the NCAA Championships, and teammate Nathan Schroeder finished two spots behind him at 74th. Three-time All-NSIC performer Jesus Urtusuastegui, who was named the NSIC preseason Athlete to Watch, will also continue to make an impact for the Vikings. 

In the NSIC preseason poll, the Augustana women received three first-place votes and are selected to finish second. A season ago, the Vikings set a conference record with nine runners on the NSIC first and second team, and now return five of those individuals. Claire Boersma and Rebekah Rairdon are a pair of all-region upperclassman who will help lead the Vikings, and a pair of sophomores (Nicolette Schmidt and Cait Savey) will key the Viking youth movement on the course. 

For more information and stay up to date on everything Augustana Cross Country, follow the team on twitter at @AugustanaTrack.