BURNSVILLE, Minn. – For the fourth consecutive season, the Augustana men's and women's cross country programs found themselves atop their respective NSIC preseason coaches polls. The women's program earned 10 first-place votes and accumulated 217 points while the men also received 10 first-place votes totaling 165 points.
 
Women's Cross Country
The Augustana women's cross country team looks to build off a 2024 campaign that saw first place finishes in both the NSIC and NCAA Central Region, capping the season with a 10th place finish at the NCAA Division II Championships. 

The Vikings return a pair of All-NSIC runners that competed in the NCAA Championships in seniors Tenley Nelson and Lindsey Young. With just three seniors and three juniors, this year's team will look to its youth. 
 
"Our women's team is talented, eager, and hardworking — a promising combination when harnessed effectively," said first-year head coach Scott Tanis. "I believe we have tremendous potential and am excited for the journey ahead as we work to fulfill that potential."
 
Young was tabbed as the NSIC Athlete to Watch for the Vikings following a 20th-place finish at the NSIC Championships and a 42nd-place finish at the NCAA Central Region Championships.
 
"Lindsey had a strong cross country season last year and carried that momentum into the track & field season, scoring in both the steeple and 5K at outdoor conference," Coach Tanis said. "Lindsey is not only a key competitor for us but also a valuable leader. Her enthusiasm and work ethic elevates the entire team."

The Vikings had a stellar regular season, finishing first among DII competition in four of their first five competitions. That included a victory in the Roy Griak Invitational and a top-five finish at the Lewis Crossover.

Men's Cross Country
The Vikings men's cross country team enters the season on the heels of its 14th NSIC title. The men's team welcomes back three NCAA Central Region runners in Kadin Groen (28th), Evan Myran (100th) and Tyson Ricker (134th). Also returning is All-NSIC Second Team sophomore Isaiah Anderson. 
 
"The men's team will feature an exciting combination of experienced upperclassmen, redshirt freshmen competing in uniform for the first time, and impactful newcomers," said Tanis. "We have high goals as a program and I look forward to our men's pursuit of those aspirations."
 
Groen, the Sioux Falls native, was named as the NSIC Athlete to Watch for Augustana after an All-NSIC First Team season as a junior. 

"Kadin has made steady progress throughout his time at Augustana and is poised to take another step forward this cross country season," said Tanis. "He is our top returner from a year ago and has made great strides since. I'm excited for Kadin to step into a new role for us and continue a lineage of great leaders within our program."
 
Augustana opens their regular season on September 5, when they host the Augustana Twilight at Yankton Trail Park. For more information on the Augustana Twilight, click here.