On Saturday, Nov. 8, Raider cross country competed in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Championships held at Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Nebraska. Despite the chilliest temperatures the team had faced this season, the 20 competing Raiders gave their all on the challenging terrain.
In the women’s event, Emily DeGroot finished 15th, picking up an automatic qualifying spot for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Championships on Nov. 21 in Tallahassee, Florida. Close behind was Kayden Spencer, who finished 19th with a personal best in the 6-kilometer distance. This would secure her a spot at the national championship as well.
The women’s team finished 6th out of 12 teams overall.
“Personally, I am really happy with how I raced and stayed engaged from start to finish,” Emily DeGroot said. “The women’s team was excited for another chance to compete for each other and for the Lord.”
In the men’s race, freshman Caleb Tofteland battled near the front, crossing the line in 7th place and advancing to nationals. Senior Ben VanDeBerg would run a personal best time of 25:31 in the 8-kilometer distance but come up one position short of qualifying for nationals.
The men’s team finished 4th out of 11 teams, their best result since 2021 and fastest average time since 2017.
“I thought our Raiders raced well, and I was proud of their efforts,” Coach Scott Bahrke said. “We have a very tough conference when it comes to cross country. I think we are moving in the right direction to fight for a top spot in the GPAC in the next couple of years.”
Looking ahead to Nationals, the qualifiers are eager to toe the line one last time in 2025.
“My goal is to run a PR and truly embrace the opportunity to race alongside so many talented athletes,” DeGroot said.
“I was extremely challenged by the competition last weekend, and nationals will be an even more difficult field,” Tofteland said. “I am excited though to race against the best of the best in the NAIA and represent Northwestern and the GPAC at the national meet.”
For Ben VanDeBerg, one of NW’s top runners in recent years, the GPAC race was a bittersweet conclusion to his cross country career.
“Over the past four seasons, with all the ups and downs, I have stayed motivated by people who have always believed in me and always pushed me to be my best,” VanDeBerg said. “It is also much easier to stay committed to the daily grind when you are doing something you love with people you love.”
As some chapters come to a close, there is much to be thankful for and much to look forward to in Raider cross country.
