NMU X-C Ready for NCAA Regionals

(Courtesy: NMU Athletics)
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan cross country team runs at the NCAA Regional hosted by Ferris State University on Saturday (Nov. 5). The 31st annual women’s 6-kilometer race will start at 11 a.m. on Katke Golf Course in Big Rapids, Mich.

24 teams from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Great Lakes Valley Conference compete for a chance to advance to the NCAA National Championship. The top four teams and along with the top two individuals not associated with the advancing teams will qualify for the championship race in Spokane, Wash. on Nov. 19.

“My goal is to finish in the top 10,” NMU coach Jenny Ryan said. “I think we can beat most of the GLVC conference with the exception of the top two or three teams.”

Four of the nation’s top teams will be competing with the Wildcats.
Defending national champion, Grand Valley is ranked No. 1 in the country while Ferris State is No. 2. No. 15 Southern Indiana and No. 17 Bellarmine will also be racing.

NMU finished 15th last season at the Regional. Senior Nora Kiilunen was the top Wildcat last year, finishing 73rd. Other returning runners who finished in the top 100 are juniors Marie Helen Soderman and Rita Woitas and senior Olivia Juntila.