SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In the 11^th annual Augustana Twilight, the Augustana men's and women's cross country teams kick-started their seasons in one the region's largest cross country meets. The Viking men placed second overall while the Viking women did not total a team score after running four runners.
 
"Out of probably 40 athletes, I had about 25 that didn't run," Augustana Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Tracy Hellman said. "We had some sickness hit us pretty hard, so we made the best of it.
 
"Our women were shorthanded and competed well but our men really packed it up well and I was pleased at this point of the year where we are at."
 
The Augustana men, ranked No. 4 in the nation, crossed the finish line in typical pack fashion with lead runner Jake Paron cutting the finishing tape in 19:47.48. All in the 19:47 second range were Colten Brand, Henry Klitzke and Jesse Kaas as the four runners placed 13-16.
 
In 22^nd place was Daniel Street in 19:55.49 and in 31^st Benjamin Haberman in 20:05.87.

 
On the women's side, where the four runners were representing the nation's third-ranked team, Nicolette Schmidt was the lead runner for AU at 18:13.97 in 11^th place. In 18^th position was Aubrey Surage and her time of 18:35.64.
 
The final two AU runners were Megan Means in 44^th (19:09.40) and Ana McCabe in 56^th (19:22.68).
 
The men's race totaled four miles and 32 different teams while the women's race ran a 5K with 28 different teams.
 
Augustana will train for the next three weeks before getting back on the course at the Roy Griak Invite in Minneapolis, Minnesota.