Cross Country set to run at the Briar Cliff Invitational

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- Augustana cross country teams return to action this week as they compete in the Briar Cliff Invitational hosted by Briar Cliff University on Saturday in McCook Lake, S.D.

The women's team had a strong showing last year placing second with 34 points, five points behind Creighton University. The men's team only finished three runners last year and didn't place.

On the women's side, the Vikings will be led by Annie Kruse. Kruse didn't compete in last years event. The only girl participating in last years event is Carly Bauer, who finished 28th with a time of 19:36.90. Rounding out the women's side will be Mackenzie Kelly, Courtney Hottovy, Ida Eltervaag and Annika Rotvold.

The men's team will be led by last years top-finisher Logan Burns who finished 13th with a time of 26:15.17. Adam Kost will also participate in the the invitational, Kost finished 62nd with a time of 27:30.11. Also participating will be Sean Heaton, and making their Augustana debut will be Jonas Gjesdal and Josh Barrows.

"The Briar Cliff Invitational will be our last tuneup before we hit the postseason. " Head Coach Tracy Hellman said "This is the a race where we want to give everyone an opportunity to prepare for the conference championship."  

The Briar Cliff Invitational will take place at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve on Saturday, with the women racing at 10 a.m. followed by the men at 10:45.