September 26, 2025

Meet Preview: Faith Cross Country at Central Dutch Open

Central Dutch Open
 Date:

 Friday, Sep. 26
 Time:

 Women's 6k - 10:30 a.m. CT | Men's 8k 11:15 a.m. CT
 Location:

 Central College XC Course | Pella, IA
 Expected Forecast:

 82 degrees, sunny, 7 mph SW wind
 Meet Information:

 Results

Ankeny, IA -- Faith Cross Country returns to Pella on Friday for the Central Dutch Open. The men race their 8k first at 5:00 p.m. CT, while the women finish out the night with their 6k at 5:45 p.m. CT.

BROKEN RECORD

For the second year straight, Carlie Blevins broke the school 6k record with her time of 23:28.12 at the Grand View Invitational. Following her performance, Carlie was named NCCAA DII Student-Athlete of the Week on September 22nd.

NATIONALS BOUND x2

The Men's XC team, along with two individuals (Brian Rohde and Ethan Smith) 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.