WAYNE, Neb. – The Augustana cross country teams traveled to Wayne, Nebraska, to compete in the Wildcat Classic, hosted by Wayne State, on Friday.

The Vikings came out on top in both races with 16 Augustana racers finishing within the top 10 for the No. 4 men and the No. 3 women. 

"I was pleased with the team results from today", said head coach Tracy Hellman. "We had a goal of pack running today and I felt that we had some good things happen working toward that goal."

Senior Nicolette Schmidt was the victorious finisher for AU crossing the finishing tape with a time of 18:06.00 to win the 5k event. On Schmidt's heels, was senior Megan Means running in a time of 18:06.20 adding to the eight total Viking women finishing in the top 10. 

Additional point scorers for AU were junior Mia Salas and newcomer Iris Velting. Salas joined her teammates across the finish line with a time of 18:40.00 followed closely by Velting rounding out the scoring placing fourth in 18:52.00

In the men's race, junior Colten Brand was the overall top finisher for AU crossing the tape with a time of 25:40.50 to win the 8k event. Senior Jesse Kaas was inches behind Brand finishing with a time of 25:40.80 adding to the eight total men finishing in the top 10. 

Sophomores Daniel Street and Evan Myran as well as senior Kray Person filled the top five placeholders. Street added to the strong Viking pack running in a time of 26:15.00 followed by Person finishing in 26:18.00 and Myran crossing the finishing tape in 26:32.00.

"Today was a good opener for a number of kids," Hellman added. "We are ready to put on a big block of training going forward. It was a good start and we are excited to get back to work."

Augustana Women's Finishers

1. Nicolette Schmidt, 18:06.00
2. Megan Means, 18:06.20
3. Mia Salas, 18:40.00
4. Iris Velting, 18:52.00
6. Ella Bakken, 19:12.00
7. Taylor Melton, 19:13.00
8. Aubrey Surage, 19:21.00
10. Caroline Sudbeck, 19:35.00

Augustana Men's Finishers

1. Colten Brand, 25.40.50
2. Jesse Kaas, 25:40.80
3. Daniel Street, 26:15.00
4. Kray Person, 26:18.00
5. Evan Myran, 26:32.00
6. Benjamin Haberman, 26:41.00
8. Jonah Breuer, 27:21.00
9. Nick Larson, 27:25.00
14. Isaac Fink 28:15.00
15. Caden Tegethoff, 28:24.00

Up Next
The Vikings will have a break before competing at the Holiday Inn Express Classic, hosted by Dordt College, on Oct. 8. 

--GoAugie.com--