SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana cross country teams competed against strong Division I and Division II opponents Friday in Omaha, Nebraska, and Peoria, Illinois. The Viking men topped all DI programs in their race in Omaha while women came in the top five among their opponents in Peoria, and was second amongst DII competition. Among the Division I foes topped for the men's meet were Creighton and South Dakota. On the women's side, the Vikings beat North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Cincinnati and Drake.

"It was a great performance from the women at Bradley and the men at Creighton," said head coach Tracy Hellman."Today was a great opportunity to see our groups race against great competition and I was pleased with the results."

The Viking men raced at the Platte River Rumble, hosted by Crieghton, in Omaha, Nebraska. Augustana placed second overall with 47 total points following Nebraska-Kearney with 42 points. The men were led by senior Matt Steiger, who placed fourth in a time of 23:54.6 in the 8K race. Following Steiger was senior Jesse Kaas in eighth place who ran in a time of 24:07.1. 

Following their teammates were sophomore Ryan Hartman in ninth in a time of 24:18.7 and sophomore Daniel Street inches behind running in 11th with a time of 24:28.1.  

Continuing the Vikings success was Augustana newcomer Erik Gundersen who crossed the finish line in 17th with a final time of 24:42.9. Sophomore Evan Myran was the final point scorer in 25th with a time of 25:03.4 while teammate Nick Larson, a junior, was close behind in 32nd with a time of 25:15.7. 

The Viking women competed at the Bradley Pink Classic, hosted by Bradley, in Peoria, Illinois. Augustana placed fifth overall with 201 points. The women were led by senior Megan Means who crossed the finishing tape in a time of 20:50.9. Following her teammate was senior Nicolette Schmidt who ran in 26th in a time of 20:52.2. Senior Patty Jo English ran in 39th in a time of 21:19.4. 

Augustana newcomer, Iris Velting, ran in 39th with a time of 21:35.2. Junior Mia Salas crossed the finish line in 64 in a time of 21:41.4 as the final point scorer.

"One thing I've always told my team, it's not how you start, it's how you finish," Hellman added. "We are motivated and ready to get back to work. Championship season is right around the corner and we will be ready."

Up Next
Both men and women teams will compete at the NSIC Championships on Nov. 5 in Wayne, Nebraska. 

Augustana Men Finishers
4. Matt Steiger: 23:54.6 4
8. Jesse Kaas: 24:07.1. 
9. Ryan Hartman: 24:18.7
11. Daniel Street: 24:28.1
17. Erik Gundersen: 24:42.9
25. Evan Myran: 25:03.4
32. Nick Larson: 25:15.7
41. Benjamin Haberman: 25:36.3
63. Kray Person: 26:11.7
69. Beau Brock: 26:16.1
84: Jonah Breuer: 26:36.7
88. Caden Tegethoff: 26:43.7
92. Isaac Fink: 26:57.4
98. Ryley Nelson: 27:13.6
106. Ryan Schroeder: 27:34.9

Men's Team Top-5 Finishes
1. Nebraska-Kearney
2. Augustana
3. Northwest Missouri State
4. Creighton
5. South Dakota

Augustana Women Finishers
23. Megan Means: 20:50.9
26. Nicolette Schmidt: 20:52.2
39. Patty Jo English: 21:19.4
55. Iris Velting: 21:35.2
64. Mia Salas: 21:41.1
101. Aubrey Surage: 22:00.3
118. Taylor Melton: 22:10.4
153. Caroline Sudbeck: 22:27.3

Women's Team Top-5 Finishers
1. Northwestern
2. Illinois
3. Bradley
4. Grand Valley State
5. Augustana

– GoAugie.com –