SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The Bellevue University men's and Women's cross country teams opened their 2024 campaign at Friday's Augustana Twilight and walked away with a historic performance. The evening races held at Yankton Trails Park in Sioux Falls were run in near-perfect distance running conditions with temperatures in the low 70s and a light breeze.
The Bruins were represented by just two women in the opening collegiate race, and both turned in outstanding season openers. Madison Nelson ran to a school record 5k time of 17:56.76 as she placed 25th in the field of 239 runners. She was the second NAIA runner in the field, featuring runners from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and junior college.
Alicia Rivera Camargo also turned in a lifetime best as she covered the 5k course in 19:41.67 for 93rd place.
While the men had great individual performances in the rarely run 4-mile event, it was the team finish that was among the top results in program history. The Bruin men were 12th in the 26-team field but 3rd among 11 NAIA squads behind nationally-ranked Doane and Concordia.
Richard Marcoux led the charge for the Bruins with a 36th-place finish in the 375-runner field. His time of 19:30.07 was nearly one minute faster than his effort last year.
Freshman Xavier Mallow was the second-fastest Bruin, clocking in at 20:11.94 (75th), with newcomer Jose Lara Flores crossing just behind in 20:26.17, good for 106th. A pack of Bruins followed as four runners crossed in a span of ten seconds: Luis Casallas Vega (21:08.13 - 172nd), Collin Kotz (21:12.27 - 180th), Robbie Siford (21:16.09 - 188th), and Griffin Kipchumba Kisoryo (21:18.23 - 190th). Jaedon Maxfield (21:45.52 - 223rd) and Ronald Kipyegon (22:37.07 - 284th) were the final Bruin finishers.
Head Coach Craig Christians: "From top to bottom, we had a great group opener. We had our best summer conditioning ever, and the hard work was clearly evident tonight. The team culture and teammates challenging other teammates are probably the things I am most pleased with. I'm looking forward to a great season."
The Bruins return to action in two weeks when they travel to Lincoln, Neb., for the Greeno/Dirksen Invite on September 21.
