KANSAS CITY, MO – Both LC State Cross Country teams will begin 2025 in the top 16 of the NAIA. The women checked in at No. 16 in the preseason coaches’ poll, and the men were voted No. 15.
The Warrior women were picked to finish second in the CCC preseason poll, and the men were picked fourth. Both teams placed in the top 20 of all NAIA teams last season at the national meet with the men in 13th and the women in 19th.
LC State’s women’s team returns its top four finishers from nationals last season in Damaris Kibiwot, Grace Tiegs, Camille Ussher and Lily Bennett. The men have returning national experience from Alexander Fry, Kobe Wessels and Connor Alexander.
On the men’s side, defending NAIA National Champion College of Idaho is ranked No. 7 heading into the season. Corban (Ore.) is No. 9, Eastern Oregon is No. 11 and Southern Oregon is No. 22. C of I leads all CCC teams on the women’s side at No. 11, while SOU is NO. 19 and EOU is No. 20.
The Warriors open the 2025 season on Aug. 29 at the Clash of the Inland Northwest, hosted by Eastern Washington. A full preview of the season will be available ahead of the meet.