CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Nebraska Wesleyan cross country teams are gearing up for the 2026 A-R-C Championships, with both squads earning top-five finishes in the pre-chamionship coaches' poll. The women's team was voted tied for fourth with 28 points, while the men's team landed at fifth with 27 points. Wartburg claimed the top spot in both polls, earning the maximum 49 points.
Men's
Nebraska Wesleyan did not have an All-A-R-C performer last season, but sophomore Noah Thomas came close and looks to make a big impact once again for the Prairie Wolves. Thomas recorded a personal-best time of 24:53.4 at the Augustana Interregional Invitational, the fastest time on the squad and 16th-best in the conference.
Two seniors, Conner Ross and Thomas Vasquez, have risen to the occasion in their final collegiate season. Ross recorded his fastest time of the season at the Augustana Interregional Invitational (25:46.5), while Vasquez ran a career-best 25:29.7 at last year's A-R-C Championships.
Junior Dylan Lender (26:17.2) and freshman Jackson Sorben (26:22.5) have also made their mark this season. Sorben has impressed in his rookie campaign, recording his fastest time at the Augustana Interregional Invitational. Junior Kyle Finney (26:34.7) adds to the Prairie Wolves' depth.
The Prairie Wolf men's team has posted 10 personal bests in the 8K this season. Nebraska Wesleyan's top seven runners rank among the top 65 in the conference, with Thomas leading the way in the top 20. Last season, the Prairie Wolves finished fifth at the A-R-C Championships. Nebraska Wesleyan enters championship weekend ranked 10th in the Midwest regional poll by the USTFCCCA.
Women's
Leading the way for the women's team is junior Kari Mathsen, who recorded a personal-best time of 23:10.5 at the Augustana Interregional Invitational. She ranks 25th in the conference heading into championship weekend.
Sophomores Jenna Lake (23:33.9) and Aubrey Kipper (23:41.3) have also impressed, recording personal-best times and giving the Prairie Wolves a strong presence near the top of the lineup. Sophomore Madalyn McBratney (24:08.8) has also ramped up production for Nebraska Wesleyan.
Juniors Alexis O'Connell (23:44.1) and Mira Comstock (24:07.5) have both recorded career-best times heading into championship weekend.
The Prairie Wolves have seen impressive improvement throughout the lineup, with 14 of their 18 athletes recording personal bests this season. Six runners rank among the top 50 in the conference, led by Mathsen, who sits in the top 25. Last season, Nebraska Wesleyan finished fourth at the A-R-C Championships. The Prairie Wolves enter championship weekend ranked 10th in the Midwest regional poll by the USTFCCCA.
The races will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. The women will open the championship with the 6K at noon, followed by the men's 8K at 1 p.m. The awards ceremony will follow the conclusion of the races.
