Two-time All-American Nelson to lead Bruin Women’s Cross Country

BELLEVUE, Neb. -- The Bellevue University women's cross country team begins its seventh season as a program in 2024. The Bruins kick off their season on Friday, Sept. 6 at the Augustana Twilight event run under the lights in Sioux Falls, S.D.

BU will once again will be led by Madison Nelson. Nelson has been named an NAIA All-American in both 2022 and 2023 with her highest finish coming last fall where she placed 27^th overall at the NAIA Championship in Vancouver, Wash. While she has her eyes on a third cross country All-American honor, she is also committed to the NAIA Marathon Classic that takes place two weeks after the cross country championship. She finished third in that race last December. "Madison's work ethic is amazing," said head coach Craig Christians. "I think she averaged around 75 miles per week over the summer and I see a great fall season for her."

Also returning from last years squad for their second season of cross country will be Alicia Rivera Carmago and Ashley Guatemala. Both are coming off of their best summer of training and Christians expects big improvements. "Alicia and Ashley ran more miles this summer than at any time in their careers. I'm really excited to see how that translates on the race course."

Newcomer Kimberly Kisoryo begins as a transfer from El Paso Community College and will help the team. "We'll bring Kimberly along slowly and by season's end I think she'll be in the mix," added Christians.

The closest opportunity to see the Bruins in action will be at the Blazing Tiger Invite at Mahoney State Park on Saturday, Oct. 26. The NSAA Conference Championship meet will be held at Valley City, N.D. on November 8 with qualifiers advancing to the national championship race in Columbia, Mo. on Friday, Nov. 22.