2024 Cross Country Season Review

The Eagles entered 2024 with 14 runners and high expectations for the upcoming season with an even split of seven returners and seven newcomers between the men's and women's teams. The women qualified for nationals as a team for the second year straight, running the qualifying time in their first race of the season while the men made their third straight appearance after reaching the qualification mark in early October. During the year, both teams came within 3 minutes of their team's program record as the men ran a season best 2:47:15.5 at the Indian Hills Invitational, and the women ran their best at the National Championship Meet, with a time of 1:57:14.0. In a thrilling accomplishment, freshman Carlie Blevins set a school record in the first 6k of her career, finishing with a time of 24:14.2.

"Everyone worked extremely hard this season." Coach Long said, sharing specific examples "I was very impressed with how Titus Loween continued to improve steadily, despite dealing with foot pain throughout the season. Carlie Blevins was impressive from the first competition all the way to the final race at Nationals, setting a PR to finish as an All-American! Becca Hulinsky ran consistently strong, spreading joy to everyone around her at practice and at meets! She ran great at Nationals and received All-American honors as well."

Six athletes reached the individual qualifying time for Nationals this season: Carlie Blevins, Becca Hulinsky, Lydia Mueller, Titus Loween, Owen Festler, and Ethan Smith. At the National Meet, the women's team made history with their highest program finish as they came in fourth place overall. Along with their fourth place finish, the Eagles placed two runners on the All-American list as Carlie Blevins earned the honor as a freshman, and Becca Hulinsky became a 2x All-American in just her second season. Rounding out honors given by the NCCAA, four Eagles were named Scholar-Athletes for the 2024 season: Andrew Hackley, Ben Hackley, Karynna Ward, Becca Hulinsky.

"The 2024 season was amazing! The women's team placing 4th at Nationals was definitely a highlight that we won't forget. It was the first time our women's team has earned a National team award! The men's team was consistent all season long, ending the season with an eighth place finish at Nationals." Coach Long said in summary of the season. The Eagles saw leadership in many forms this year, coming from team captains (Andrew Hackley, Becca Hulinsky, Lydia Mueller) and the coaching staff (Coach Ryan Long, Nathan Brace, Emily Banks) as they sought to compete well on the course, serve well in the community, and love well as they supported each other throughout the season.

Looking ahead, Coach Long is excited to see the team's growth heading into the offseason "We will miss Karynna Ward in the fourth spot on the women's team as she graduates, but that will create an opportunity for others to work hard during summer training and step into a scoring position next fall. The men's team will have all 5 athletes returning, plus several new runners are planning to join the team heading into next season!" 

NCCAA Awards

Scholar-Athletes: Andrew Hackley, Ben Hackley, Karynna Ward, Becca Hulinsky

All-Region: Carlie Blevins

All-American: Carlie Blevins, Becca Hulinsky

Team Awards

Men's Most Valuable Runner: Ethan Smith

Women's Most Valuable Runner: Carlie Blevins