HOW IT HAPPENED

The Nebraska Wesleyan cross country teams delivered strong performances at the highly competitive Dan Hutson Invite on Saturday, held at the Max Championship Cross Country Course in Waverly, Iowa. The men's team claimed second place, while the women's team also secured a second-place finish in their respective races.

On the men's side, sophomore Conner Ross led the charge with a 19th-place finish, clocking in at 25:55.7. Teammates Thomas Vasquez and Lawson Tjardes followed closely behind, placing 27th and 51st, respectively. The team's collective effort helped them post an average time of 26:43, earning a runner-up spot behind Wartburg.

For the women, junior Delaney Vacek led the Prairie Wolves with a time of 24:38.6, finishing 21st overall. Freshman Dani Ahrens and Payton Jorczak also made crucial contributions, placing 26th and 34th, respectively. The women's team posted an average time of 25:40, securing second place just behind Wartburg.

RESULTS

Men's Lineup (Top 3)
12. Conner Ross – 25:55.7
14. Thomas Vasquez – 26:12.6
19. Lawson Tjardes – 27:00.2

Women's Lineup (Top 3)
13. Delaney Vacek – 24:38.6
15. Dani Ahrens – 25:06.8
18. Payton Jorczak – 25:47.2

UP NEXT
The NWU cross country teams will look to build on their momentum at their next meet, the Augie Interregional, in Rock Island, Illinois, on October 19.