WAYNE, Neb. -- The nationally-ranked Augustana cross country teams swept the NSIC Championships, with both teams winning NSIC titles, in Wayne, Nebraska, on Saturday morning. 

On top of the team titles, the Vikings had the NSIC Newcomer of the Year in Erik Gundersen as well as Head Cross Country Coach Tracy Hellman being tabbed NSIC Coach of the Year for both the men and women.

"Winning an NSIC championship is never easy and I was very pleased with how our teams stepped up today," said Hellman. "The men had a great pack and the times they ran today are very impressive for this course."

The men of Augustana started the day by winning its 12th NSIC title in the past 13 seasons. The Vikings' depth and pack-running were a huge part of the success of the championships. Augustana collected a near-perfect score of 18 points, bridging a 76 point gap between second place Minnesota State. 

The No. 15-nationally  men of Augustana took hold of the top two finishing spots while also placing five within the top six. 

Senior Matt Steiger was the individual champion of the meet crossing the finishing tape in first with a time of 24:50.70. This was Steiger's first-ever cross country win as a Viking to highlight his successful senior season. Following inches behind Steiger was sophomore Ryan Hartman who was through the chute in second place running in with a time of 24:58.11. 

Placing fourth in the field was Jesse Kaas running a time of 25:02.34 followed by Colten Brand in fifth (25:17.37) and Erik Gundersen in sixth (25:24.38).  

Nick Larson was the final Viking within the top-20 to run through the chute in a time of 25:53.28 to take 20th place.

The No. 5 Viking women opened their afternoon with their second consecutive NSIC title after taking home the title for the first time since 2014 last season. Augustana collected 56 points to take first followed by runner-up No 16. Minnesota State with 68 points. 

Nicolette Schmidt was the first finisher for Augustana placing fourth in a time of 21:40.31. Patty Jo English was close behind Schmidt placing ninth in 22:01.81. Seconds behind English was Mia Salas who placed thirteenth in 22:17.23. 

Taylor Melton and Ella Bakken were the pack finishers with Melton crossing the finish line in a time of 22:36:46 in 15th and Bakken running down the chute in a time of 22:39:34 to place 16th. Melton and Bakken stepped up to the plate in today's meet finishing in the top 20 for the first time as a Viking. Megan Means was the final Viking to finish in the top 20 crossing the finishing tape in 20th with a time of 23:03.24.

In total, Augustana had 12 All-Conference runners, six from the women and six from the men.

"The women had a bit of an off day, yet we had some athletes step up and really perform at a high-level for our team," Hellman added. "This was the first step as we are in the championship portion of the season. 

"We know that the regionals are next and we will be ready for our best performance down in Joplin in two weeks."

Augustana Women Finishers
4. Nicolette Schmidt, 21:40.31
9. Patty Jo English, 22:01.81
12. Mia Salas, 22:17.23
15. Taylor Melton, 22:36.46
16. Ella Bakken, 22:39.34
20. Megan Means, 23:03.24
22. Caroline Sudbeck, 23:07.34
23. Aubrey Surage, 23:08.38
26. Iris Velting, 23:18.11
27. Cami Streff, 23:22.69
 

Augustana Men Finishers
1. Matt Steiger,  24:50.71
2. Ryan Hartman, 24:58.11
4. Jesse Kaas, 25:02.34
5. Colten Brand, 25:17.37
6. Erik Gundersen, 25:24.38
20. Nick Larson, 25:53.28
21. Daniel Street, 25:54.30
30. Jonah Breuer, 26:26.66
40. Benjamin Haberman, 26:40.33
59. Beau Brock, 27:14.81
71. Caden Tegethoff, 27:52.09
73. Evan Myran, 27:52.30

Overall Women Team Finishers
1. Augustana, 56
2. Minnesota State, 68
3. Winona State, 73
4. Minnesota-Duluth, 78
5. UMary, 107 

Overall Men Team Finishers
1. Augustana, 18
2. Minnesota State, 94
3. Sioux Falls, 94
4. UMary, 105
5. Minnesota-Duluth, 134

Up Next
The Vikings return to action on Saturday, Nov. 19, for the NCAA Central Regional hosted by Missouri Southern.

--GoAugie.com--