WEST SALEM, Wis. -- Led by the North Star Athletic Association's Runner of the Year and meet champion Richard Marcoux, the Bruins' men's cross country team raced to a third-place team finish at Friday's NSAA Championship hosted by Viterbo. Held on the grounds of Maple Grove Venues outside LaCrosse, the meet was held under overcast skies, light wind, and temperatures in the 40's, making for perfect autumn running weather.
Marcoux went with a lead group of four men from the outset and was content to be a part of that group until almost four miles had passed. Coming down a small hill, he made a decisive move, quickly opening a 10-meter gap, and was never headed as he ran hard to the finish. His finishing time of 25:57.1 was ten seconds ahead of runner-up Caleb Sarsland of Dickinson State, and he is now the first male athlete to win an NSAA men's cross country title for the Bruins. It was Sarsland's diving effort at the finish that was the difference for team champion Dickinson as they defeated perennial league champion Dakota State by a single point.
The third place showing as a team was the Bruin's best team placing since they were runner-up as a team in 2021. Collin Kotz was the second finisher, crossing in 13th place in 27:34.7. Rounding out the top five scorers in places 31,34 and 36 were Saba Khvichava (29:52.0), Edrei Murillo (30:30.7) and Robbie Siford (30:40.6). Also representing the Bruns in 37th place was Enoc Ortega crossing the line in (30:58.3).
Head Coach Craig Christians: "I'm very proud of our third-place finish considering some of the injury issues we've faced this year. Richard has been outstanding all year, and it's great to see his months of tremendous hard work rewarded with a trip to Nationals. Collin had a great year, too, and was unfortunately hampered by a side stitch early in the race and was unable to shake it."
Marcoux will move on to represent the Bruins at the NAIA National Cross Country Championship on Nov. 17 in Fort Vancouver, Wash.
