Nelson Repeats, Perkins is All-Conference at NSAA Cross Country Championships
Sophomore Madison Nelson claimed her second NSAA individual title at Friday’s cross country championship hosted by Dickinson State at the Heart River Golf Course. Cool morning temperatures forced a 90 minute delay to the start time but bright sunshine and a stiff breeze greeted the 49 runners who toed the line at 1:15 PM.
DICKINSON, N.D. -- Sophomore Madison Nelson claimed her second NSAA individual title at Friday's cross country championship hosted by Dickinson State at the Heart River Golf Course. Cool morning temperatures forced a 90 minute delay to the start time but bright sunshine and a stiff breeze greeted the 49 runners who toed the line at 1:15 PM.
Nelson began conservatively leading a group of women through the mile in 6:15 and then powered away running six flat per mile pace the rest of the way to win in 18:27.0 creating a 47 second gap on runner up Lindsey Roth of Dakota State.
Hannah Perkins capped an outstanding first season for the Bruins with a ninth place finish in 19:54.7, earning NSAA All-Conference honors. Unfortunately for Perkins, she was in the fifth qualifying spot when the top four qualify for the national meet. The top four qualify after members of the winning team, Viterbo, were removed.
The meet marked the first time this season when the Bruins were able to field a full team of five runners. They tied Valley City for fourth place in the conference standings. Other scoring Bruins were Claire Kimutai, 43rd in 23:41.3, Lorelei Hayden running 25:23.1 for 46th, and Caroline Feig crossing in 48th place in 25:33.1.
Hannah Perkins was recognized as the NSAA Champion of Character for the Bruins.
Head Coach Craig Christians: "Madison was just her dependable self again today. I'm amazed at her performance given that she's not running fully healthy (foot injury). She's got a real shot at being our first cross country All-American (top 40) at nationals. Hannah finished in the cruelest of positions as the first non-qualifier. Her season was still amazing when I look back and see where she started. She'll learn something from today and have success in the future. As a team, we kind of limped across the finish line but it was just a tough season with all of our injuries. We've got a good nucleus to build on and I think our future is bright.
Nelson will now represent the Bruins at the NAIA national championships on November 18 in Tallahassee, Florida.