Western Washington University’s cross country teams each placed top 15 — the women 11th and the men 13th — at the NCAA Division II National Championships Saturday, Nov. 23 in Sacramento, California.
The Vikings were coming off sweeping the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships Oct. 26, before each placing second at the West Region meet Nov. 9.
It was the women who had a better showing at nationals Saturday, placing 11th with 384 points, its best finish since placing sixth in 2015. Adams State won with 61 points.
Ashley Reeck became an All-American after placing 33rd in 21:22.1. Sophia Wright finished 89th in 22:03.8; Ila Davis was 95th in 22:07.5, Danielle McLain came in 113th in 22:17.6; Ella Edens placed 114th in 22:17.8; Emma Smith was 122nd in 22:20.9 and Mia Crocker finished 125th in 22:21.9.
The men’s team finished 13th in the nation with 379 points, their best finish at nationals since placing 13th in 2014. Colorado School of the Mines won with 63 points.
Jeret Gillingham led the charge for Western, placing 48th in 30:41.2. Jared Alderfer made a late push, finishing 75th in 31:04.3; Kevin McDermott placed 94th in 31:18.4; George Karamitsos was 110th in 31:26.7; Jonah Billings came in 119th in 31:29.8; Sten Brakstad finished 149th in 31:50.7 and Ryan Clough placed 236th in 33:30.3.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
