Senior Caleb Vander Baan’s 26:49 finish at the Herb Blakely Invitational led the Red Raider men’s cross country team to its third consecutive 8K championship.
The Sept. 12 event, hosted by Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, included 27:26 and 27:54 finishes by Ryan Bauermeister and Tanner Goetsch, respectively. Hans Epp and Peter Smith were also in NW’s top five scorers by setting their personal bests with times of 26:36 and 26:41, respectively. This is quite an accomplisment at this course, as this is one of the toughest courses that the cross country team runs during the season.
This achievement of consistent domination shows the high expectations the team has set for its program.
In his fourth season as head coach, Scott Bahrke continues to demand a high quality work ethic from all of his runners.
“Throughout the offseason, as well as during season, I stress them to get their miles in,” Bahrke said. “They must run 50-60 miles weekly and the results definitely reflect that. They do a great job. That consistency will allow us to remain at pace while other runners and programs drag across the finish line.”
This year’s race was very close, with the Dordt College Defenders coming in second place, having made big improvements during their offseason.
Yet, the Red Raiders again were able to three-peat by being named champions of the men’s 8K at Herb Blakely, proving Coach Bahrke has his coaching strategies and methodical requirements aligned with the expectations.
“The consistent miles we put in together will help us remain focused on reaching our goals,” said Bahrke. “The opportunity of coaching this group has been a humbling and rewarding experience.”
Cross country’s next race will be at 9:30 a.m., Sept. 26, at the Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis.
