SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Ryan Hartman closed a storybook career on Saturday afternoon, finishing National Runner-Up at the NCAA Championships at the Arcade Creek Cross Country Course.

"I felt great," said Hartman. "I knew I had to just cover moves and stay mentally locked in for 30 minutes. Going into the last 2 miles I was starting to feel the pace get faster but then I got my legs back under me for the final lap."

The finish is not only the highest in Augustana history, but the highest in NSIC history on the men's side. His 29:45.9 is also the fastest time ran at an NCAA Championships in program history. 

"It was a great finish. I had to just give it my all out on the course today. I saved a bit for the finish to be able to ensure I locked down runner-up positioning."

The run capped off a season that is nearly irreplaceable. In six races, Hartman won four and finished runner-up in the other two. He earned an NSIC Championship for the second consecutive season and became the first region champion for Augustana since Harold Karbo in 2014. 

"Ryan Hartman finishing NCAA Runner-Up was a fitting way for him to cap his cross country career at Augustana," said Tracy Hellman. "He ran very smart and patient throughout to get him within striking distance for the win.  He arguably will go down as the best runner Augustana has ever produced and has set a legacy going forward."