KANSAS CITY, MO – LC State Cross Country remained in the NAIA Top 25 after the first two races of the season. The women sit at No. 21 as one of four Cascade Conference teams in the ranking, while the men checked in at No. 25 in a group of five CCC programs.
The Warrior women finished in the top 10 of each of the first two races this season with Damaris Kibiwot leading the way. The sophomore finished in the top 20 of each NCAA Division I race and was voted the CCC Runner of the Week after the Clash of the Inland Northwest. The senior duo of Camille Ussher and Grace Tiegs have been solid in the top five for LC State as has freshman Nuala Rollins. The Warriors have a talented group of freshmen waiting to make their mark as the season progresses.
College of Idaho’s women jumped three spots to No. 9 and Eastern Oregon improved four spots to No. 16. Southern Oregon remained No. 19.
LC State’s senior-led men’s team has a pair of top-10 finishes so far this season with experienced runners at the front. Kobe Wessels was the top Warrior finisher and earned CCC Runner of the Week honors after the Clash of the Inland Northwest, and Tristin O’Brien ran the best race of his career to lead LC at the Cougar Classic. Alexander Fry was the second Warrior across the line in both races and Ben Vernon has been a consistent presence near the top for LC State.
Corban’s (Ore.) men remained No. 9 in the NAIA and CCC newcomer Trinity Western (B.C.) is ranked No. 11. Defending champions C of I fell to No. 12 and SOU jumped two spots to No. 19. Eastern Oregon is receiving votes.
