Meet Preview: Faith Cross Country at Grand View Invitational
Grand View Invitational |
|
| Date: |
Saturday, Sep. 20 |
| Time: |
Women's 6k - 10:30 a.m. CT | Men's 8k 11:15 a.m. CT |
| Location: |
DMACC Campus | Ankeny, IA |
| Expected Forecast: |
72 degrees, mostly cloudy, 4 mph N wind |
| Meet Information: | |
Ankeny, IA -- Faith Cross Country takes the course in Ankeny for the only time this year as they compete in the Grand View Invitational. With both teams wualifying for Nationals in their first possible races, Faith XC will use the remaining races as tuneups and to practice against elite competition as they prepare for Nationals.
NATIONALS BOUND x2
The Men's XC team, along with one individual (Brian Rohde) reached the NCCAA Qualifying times for the National Championship meet. Additionally, the Women's XC team, along with four individuals (Carlie Blevins, Becca Hulinsky, Lydia Mueller, and Jelena Bausch) reached the NCCAA qualifying times for the National Championship meet taking place November 14th in Joplin, MO
FAITH NOTES
- The Eagles finished 2024 in a historic fashion, with the women's XC team placing 4th at NCCAA Nationals, and the men placing 8th.
- Faith will participate in eight meets in 2025, starting the season at the Central Dutch Invitational on September 6th, and ending with the NCCAA National Championship on November 15th.
- WXC boasts 3 returners: Becca Hulinsky (Jr), Lydia Mueller (Jr), and Carlie Blevins (So). MXC also returns 3 runners: Andy Hackley (Sr), Ben Hackley (Sr), and Ethan Smith (So)
NEW FACES
The Eagles cross country program and head coach Ryan Long will welcome 6 newcomers to the 2025 roster. On the Women's side, Jelena Bausch (So) and Leah Leary (Fr) round out the squad, allowing team participation. Jelena brings collegiate competition experience as she participated in Track & Field in spring of 2025. The men's team brings in four newcomers: Brandon Smith (Jr), Max Johnston (Jr), Brian Rohde (Fr) and Christian Farr (Fr), who will all vie for top spots in 2025.
