Western’s women’s cross country team did not defend its regional title, but the women’s and men’s teams had their best combined finish in school history at the NCAA II West Regional Championships Saturday, Nov. 9 in Billings, Montana.
Both Vikings’ teams will now head to the NCAA Division II National Championships Saturday, Nov. 23 in Sacramento, California.
The women’s and men’s teams each placed second behind Chico State on Saturday. It was the men’s fourth second-place finish in school history (2007, 2009, 2022, 2024), as the Vikings scored 54 points and had all five scoring runners earn All-West Region honors.
Senior Ryan Clough led the Vikings team with a second-place finish in 30 minutes, 30.12 seconds. He finished behind Chico State’s Mario Giannini.
Western coach TJ Garlatz mentioned Clough’s performance was one of the top runs he has seen during his tenure at Western.
Garlatz added he is proud of Clough because he went from fighting for a spot on the roster to fighting for the top spot in the region until the final second.
Clough became the fourth Viking to place in the top five at a regional meet in school history, matching runner-up finishes by Jordan Welling in 2009 and 2010 and Paul Kezes winning the regional title in 2002.
Men’s teammate Jeret Gillingham placed seventh in 30:42.30, Kevin McDermott was 10th in 30:54.85, and George Karamitsos and Jared Alderfer placed 17th and 18th in 31:07.62 and 31:07.94.
The Vikings men’s team earned its 14th trip to nationals in program history and fifth in the last six seasons.
The women’s team also placed second with 115 points and earned its 11th trip to nationals in program history and fourth in the last six seasons.
Ashley Reeck was the first Viking to cross the finish line, placing 12th in 21:24.24. Ila Davis place 16th in 21:32.94, Emma Smith was 27th in 21:51.51, Ella Edens placed 29th in 21:54.12 and Danielle McLain finished 31st in 21:59.96.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
