ASHLAND, NE — The University of Saint Mary (USM) cross country teams delivered standout performances at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic, held at the Olsson XC Course at Mahoney State Park on October 26, 2024. The women's team triumphed with a first-place finish, while the men's team secured a strong second-place finish.
Women's Team Dominates with Team Victory
The Saint Mary women's cross country team was unstoppable, clinching the top spot with a total score of 30 points. The Spires were led by senior Reagan Hiebert, who won the women's 6k race with a time of 21:31.5, averaging a pace of 5:46 per mile. Reagan's impressive performance set the tone for the team, marking her as a key competitor for the upcoming postseason.
Not far behind was her sister, Riley Hiebert, also a senior, who finished third overall with a time of 21:43.4. Riley maintained a steady pace of 5:49 per mile, reinforcing the Spires' dominance at the front of the pack. Adding to the team's success, senior Kate Madsen finished in fifth place, clocking in at 21:55.0.
The depth of the team was further highlighted by junior Monse Guerrero-Chapula (22:19.2, 10th place) and junior Josie Tyrrell (22:19.3, 11th place), both finishing in the top 15. Junior Shannen Dorn (22:36.2, 16th) and junior Abigail White (22:40.8, 18th) rounded out the team's top seven, contributing to the decisive victory.
The Spires' women's team completed the race with a total time of 1:49:48 and an average time of 21:57, finishing well ahead of second-place College of Idaho.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Head Coach Alstin Benton said, "The ladies had a breakout day and really showed who we are and what we are capable of. If each person can remain focused on being an irreplaceable member of the team, in their own way, from our #1 runner to our #20 runner, we can do something amazing at the end of this season."
Men's Team Earns Runner-Up Honors
The USM men's cross country team also had a strong showing, finishing second overall in the men's 8k race. The Spires were led by senior Dominick Beine, who placed 4th with a time of 24:35.36. His strong finish set the pace for the rest of the squad, showcasing his consistent performance throughout the season.
Following Beine, junior Aleksandr Krikov delivered an impressive run, crossing the line in 24:43.01 to secure 7th place. Senior Chris Metz finished just behind him, taking 9th place with a time of 24:47.78. The Spires' depth was evident, as they had multiple runners place within the top 25, including senior Ryan Heline (25:10.39).
The men's team finished with a total score of 69 points, only trailing the top team, College of Idaho, which secured the win with 31 points.
Coach Benton praised the men's efforts, stating, "The guys competed really well today. We continue to focus on our ultimate goal of being our best selves every day. If we can stay focused on that goal and show up every day for our brothers, we will be where we want to be in 4 weeks when it matters the most."
Looking Ahead
The outstanding performances by both the men's and women's teams at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic demonstrate the Spires' competitive edge as they move toward the postseason. The women will be looking to maintain their winning momentum, while the men aim to build on their solid finish and challenge for top honors in future meets. Up next, the Spires will compete in the KCAC Cross Country Championships on Saturday, November 9th right here in Leavenworth, Kansas.
