Cross Country

Cross Country Qualifiers

In the program’s first season of existence, NIACC Cross Country has exceeded expectations. Several NIACC runners recently ran times qualifying them for the NJCAA Championships, which will take place November 6 in El Paso, Texas. "The athletes have worked really hard to reach this point," said Head Coach Curtis Vais. "They deserve to run against the nation’s best."

The NJCAA Championship meet is an open meet, meaning any sanctioned NJCAA members may send runners. However, Coach Vais created a self-imposed qualifying standard which would match the top half of performers from previous national meets. "I set the standard to make nationals more of an achievement, rather than just another meet because of the open invite," stated Coach Vais.

On the men’s side, five runners have beaten the 30:00 standard (8K). Andy Kaspar, Rockford, leads the quintet with a low time of 28:35, followed by Brian Haeflinger, Alta Vista, with a 28:51. The other qualifiers include Andrew Flugum, Forest City (29:02); Matt Crooks, Lucas (29:22); and Justin Rustvold, Audubon (29:30).

On the women’s side, two runners have beaten the 22:30 standard (5K). Stacy Allen, Mason City, leads the way with a 21:22, followed by Amy Furlong, also of Mason City, with a 22:01.

The team is currently preparing for the inaugural Region XI Championships, scheduled for October 23 in Estherville.