SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Following a sweep at the NSIC Championships, the Augustana men's and women's cross country teams travel to Joplin, Missouri, this weekend for the NCAA Central Regional Championships. 

The Vikings run Saturday morning at the Missouri Southern Cross Country Course with the men's 10k race starting at 10 a.m. and the women's 6k race following at 11:15 a.m. This is the first race this season that the men will be racing a 10k compared to their typical 8k distance. 

"The teams are very excited but more importantly motivated for Saturday, " said head coach Tracy Hellman. "Our region is very competitive and has many talented athletes and teams. We know that it will be a difficult challenge but we are excited and ready to go. 

Both teams are peaking at the right time and are entering in a good spot. The goal is to qualify for the NCAA Championships and we are striving towards the goal."

The Augustana women look to claim their third consecutive Central Regional Title and the men have sights on their second. Last year both teams placed first totaling under 80 points combined. 

The Vikings are coming off a sweep at the NSIC Championships with both teams taking hold of first place finishes. Augustana's Matt Steiger was the individual champion for the men finishing in a time of 24:50.71. Nicolette Schmidt was the top finisher for the Viking women placing fourth crossing the finish line in a time of 21:40.31. 

Megan Means was the sixth finisher for the women crossing the finish tape in 20th place in a time of 23:03.24. Means was the top finisher for the women at the Bradley Pink Classic in the race prior to the NSIC Championships placing 23rd against competitive Division I programs. 

"I think the team is ready to go for regionals, '' said Means. "We know that is going to be a tough battle as there are many good teams and individuals on the field, but we have practiced running aggressively in workouts and with our strength and depth I am confident that we are going to race very well."  

Racing at the Central Regionals is a first for many, Augustana newcomer Nick Larson will be competing in the regional race for the first time in his career. Larson finished 20th in the NSIC Championship running in a time of 25:53.28 two weekends ago. Larson's finish garnered him a spot on the All-NSIC Conference Teams helping secure the Vikings sixth finisher in the top-20

"I feel the team is very confident in our ability to perform going into regionals," said Larson. "We've been steadily improving and building every week, physically and mentally.  

This growing confidence in our ability is really important as we head into the championship season because it shows we're ready to compete at the highest level and go get some hardware." 

For more on the NCAA Central Regional Championship, including a look at the participant manual, course maps/info and live results, click here.

–GoAugie.com–