CROSS COUNTRY

For the third consecutive year, both the men’s and women’s HU cross country teams will compete in the NAIA Cross Country Championships. The Foresters will run on November 19th at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Championship Course in Vancouver, Wash.

“I’m excited for both teams to be returning to the national championships,” said Coach Lauren Davenport Johnson. “This is the third year in a row that we have had both programs representing HU at the national level, which has shifted our standard of excellence forward.

“The Crossroads League is sending a total of 11 teams to the national championship, proving that we are one of the top conferences in the nation.”

The Huntington men finished ninth in the final NAIA poll to receive the second at-large berth handed out. The men’s field will feature 22 automatic qualifiers, the host school Bushnell, 12 at-large bids and 82 athletes competing as individuals.

It’s the Foresters’ eighth trip to the NAIA’s big stage with the first appearance dating back to 1998. Huntington finished second last year which marks the highest finish in program history.

The Crossroads League will be well-represented in Washington with Goshen, Grace, Indiana Wesleyan, Marian and Taylor also competing.

On the women’s side, the Foresters, ranked 19th in the final poll, received the seventh of 15 at-large berths. The rest of the field is made up of 20 automatic qualifiers, one host berth and 88 individual qualifiers.

This trip is HU’s ninth to the championships with their first dating back to 1991. The Foresters’ 10th place finish in 2019 marks the program’s highest finish. Huntington is one of five Crossroads League teams that will be competing at nationals this year. Taylor received the league’s automatic bid while Grace, Indiana Wesleyan and Saint Francis, like Huntington, received at-large berths.

Both races will be broadcast on the NAIA Network. To access the live video stream and purchase a pass, visit https://portal.stretchinternet.com/naia/.

Members of the HU women’s championship team includes Shelby Christman, Lauren Craig, Sydney Lambert, Abby Mays, Emily Tedder, Carmen Trier and Olivia Von Gunten.

Member of the HU men’s championship team includes Elijah Chesterman, Reece Gibson, Aaron Hendryx, Mathew Hyter, Austin Liepe, Haile Stutzman and Kent Yoder.