LINCOLN, Neb. (October 17th, 2024) - Nebraska Wesleyan cross country is gearing up for the Augustana Interregional Invitational in Rock Island, Illinois, on Saturday, October 19th. The Prairie Wolves will compete against strong regional competition at the Saukie Golf Course.
MEET INFORMATION
- Host: Augustana College
- Date: Saturday, October, 19th
- Location: Saukie Golf Course | Rock Island, Illinois
- Start Times: Women's DIII Gold Division 6k - 11:00 a.m. | Men's DIII Gold Division 8k - 11:45 a.m. | Women's Blue Division 6k - 12:30 p.m. | Men's Blue Division 8k - 1:15 p.m.
NEBRASKA WESLEYAN SEASON IN REVIEW
Saturday marks Nebraska Wesleyan's fourth meet of the 2024 season. The Prairie Wolves opened the year with an alumni meet before hosting the Greeno/Dirksen Invite on September 21st. In their most recent meet, the Dan Hutson Invite in Waverly, Iowa, both the men's and women's teams secured second-place finishes.
On the men's side, sophomore Conner Ross led the team with a time of 25:55.7, finishing 12th. He was joined by fellow sophomores Thomas Vasquez, who placed 14th, and Lawson Tjardes, who took 19th.
The women's team was paced by junior Delaney Vacek, who finished 13th with a time of 24:38.6. Freshmen Dani Ahrens (14th) and Payton Jorczak (18th) also finished in the top 20.
HEAD COACH CHAD BERENS
Chad Berens is in his second year as head coach for Nebraska Wesleyan cross country. Last year, he helped
Gabby Thomas earn her third All-Conference honor. Prior to joining NWU, Berens served as the director of track and field and cross country operations at the University of Utah.
NEBRASKA WESLEYAN CROSS COUNTRY TRADITION
Nebraska Wesleyan has a rich cross country tradition. The men's team has captured 22 conference championships, while the women's team has won 15. Nationally, the men have finished in the top 10 nine times, and the women have placed in the top 20 nine times.
