SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The nationally-ranked Augustana cross country teams are ready to race at the NCAA National Championships in Seattle, Washington, this weekend. The races take place Friday at the Chambers Creek Regional Park course hosted by Seattle Pacific University. The day will begin with the men's 10k race being slated for a noon (CDT) start, followed by the women's 6k race at 1:15 p.m. (CDT).

Fans can catch the action at GoAugie.com/Live and on the GoAugie app, presented by CellOnly, found in the app store and on Google play.

The races are a part of the DII National Championship Festival where SPU will host six national championships over the weekend. These championships include men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's field hockey, as well as men's and women's cross country. For more information about the DII NCAA National Championship Festival, click here. 

The top-5 nationally ranked teams enter the race being tabbed the favorites. For the women, the favorites include No. 1 Adams State, No. 2 Grand Valley State, No. 3 Colorado School of Mines, No. 4 UC Colorado-Springs and No. 5 Augustana. 

The men's race favorites include No. 1 Colorado School of Mines, No. 2 Grand Valley State, No. 3 Wingate, No. 4 Chico State and No. 5 Lee. 

The No. 5 Viking women head into the race following their first place finish at the NCAA Central Regional Championship, the third-consecutive regional title. The women were led by Nicolette Schmidt who placed second overall running through the chute in a time of 20:18.4. Prior to the impressive performance at regionals, the women garnered a first-place finish at the NSIC Championship winning their second consecutive title. 

The No. 10 Viking men head into the race following their third place finish at the NCAA Central Regional Championship. Prior to regionals, the men took home first place at the NSIC Championships garnering their twelfth title in the past 13 seasons. The men were led by Matt Steiger who was the individual champion of the race running in a time of 24:50.71 in the 8k race. 

Augustana Women's Lineup (alternate included):
Ella Bakken
Patty Jo English
Megan Means
Taylor Melton
Mia Salas
Nicolette Schmidt
Caroline Sudbeck
Iris Velting

Augustana Men's Lineup (alternate included):
Colten Brand
Erik Gundersen
Ryan Hartman
Jesse Kaas
Henry Klitzke
Nick Larson
Kray Person
Matt Steiger

– GoAugie.com –