MINOT, N.D. - It was a day filled with victory at the NSIC Cross Country Championships as the men's and women's programs swept the team titles and Ryan Hartman won the individual crown on Saturday morning. 

"It was a great day today with both squads at the NSIC Championships," said NSIC Men's and Women's Coach of the Year Tracy Hellman. "I felt we were very focused and we had a great team performance today. We have always preached how our teams are measured by how we run together and you saw that today.  Our packs were very strong and we had great days by many."

Hartman paced the Vikings with his second consecutive NSIC Championship, breaking the tape in 23:49.4, two seconds quicker than last season. It was another impressive victory for Hartman, defeating the runner-up by 17 seconds. He becomes the third different Viking to win multiple NSIC titles. 

The No. 24-ranked men had four of the top nine finishers to boost the program to victory. 

Erik Gundersen was the highest AU finisher behind Hartman, finishing third with a personal-best 24:06.9. Brady Hogan followed in sixth, closing with a time of 24:11.2, over two minutes faster than his previous personal best.

"Ryan Hartman continues to do Ryan Hartman things," said Hellman. "He absolutely controlled the meet and is in a fantastic position as he enters the Regional and Nationals. Daniel Street had a breakout race today and I also was impressed with Erik Gunderson."

Also shattering a personal best was Kadin Groen, who earned a ninth place finish in a time of 24:16.0. Rounding out the Vikings in the top 20 were Daniel Street (12th, 24:22.7), Tyson Ricker (17th, 24:41.2), Evan Myran (18th, 24:41.6) and Isaiah Anderson (20th, 24:43.8). All four listed reset their personal bests. 

"The team is at a pivotal point," said Street. "It's great to run good at conference but our ultimate goal has always been to perform at our best at the regional meet. This is a great confidence booster that we need to transition into practice these next two weeks and come November 9th we will surprise some people"

The No. 8-ranked women closed the day with a great pack effort, as five placers placed in the top 16 and the top seven fit inside the top 20. 

The pack was led by Ella Bakken, who finished in fourth with a personal-best 20:43.4. Right behind her was Ashley Overgaauw, whose personal-best 20:52.5 was good for seventh. 

"I felt okay but definitely have more to give," said Bakken. "I went out hard and tried to hold on, but I did not get outkicked, which I am happy with."


Behind Overgaauw was Eleni Lovgren, adding a PR at 21:31.0 to place 13th, just ahead of Taylor Melton, who closed in at 14th in a personal-best 21:36.1. Caroline Sudbeck rounded out the finishers in the top-16, finishing 16th with a time of 21:46.8. 

"It was a hard race going out quick but I felt strong individually and tried to hold on with where I put myself right away," said Melton. "I felt I made my move honestly at the beginning. The team killed it."

"The women showed our strength of the pack and performed very well." said Hellman. "I thought both Taylor Melton and Caroline Sudbeck had great days.   We now shift our focus toward the regional championships."

The top ten finishers are named All-NSIC First Team while finishers 11-20 earn All-NSIC Second Team honors.

Augustana Men Finishers
1. Ryan Hartman,  23:49.4
3. Erik Gundersen, 24:06.9
6. Brady Hogan, 24:11.2
9. Kadin Groen, 24:16.0
12. Daniel Street, 24:22.7
17. Tyson Ricker, 24:41.2
18. Evan Myran, 24:41.6
20. Isaiah Anderson, 24:43.8
25. Parker Fitzgerald, 24:58.8
35. Soren Weeg, 25:16.8
47. Beau Brock, 25:37.8
107. Isaac Fink, 27:03.5


Augustana Women Finishers
4. Ella Bakken, 20:43.4
7. Ashley Overgaauw, 20:52.5
13. Eleni Lovgren, 21:31.0
14. Taylor Melton, 21:36.1
16. Caroline Sudbeck, 21:46.10
18. Tenley Nelson, 21:48.5
20. Lindsey Young, 21:49.4
31. Laura Thompson, 22:18.1
54. Ramsey Karim, 23:04.0

Overall Men Team Finishers
1. Augustana, 31
3. MSU Moorhead, 70
2. Minnesota Duluth, 106
4. UMary, 134
5. Sioux Falls, 138

Overall Women Team Finishers
1. Augustana, 54
2. UMary, 72
3. Winona State, 75
4. Minnesota Duluth, 98
5. Minnesota State, 107

Up Next
The Vikings return to action on Saturday, Nov. 9, for the NCAA Central Regional hosted by Missouri Southern.