Yellowjackets Wrap Regular Season at Blazing Tiger Classic

ASHLAND, Neb. — The Graceland University men's cross country team concluded its regular season Saturday at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic, held at Mahoney State Park. The Yellowjackets entered three runners in the 8-kilometer race, using the meet as a late-season effort to benchmark against regional and conference-level competition.

Senior Rene Romero led Graceland, finishing in 30:09.38 to place 287th overall in a field of more than 340 runners. He was followed by freshman Xavier Rangel, who clocked 30:35.96 for 297th place, and junior Moses Ridley, who completed the course in 32:06.55, finishing 325th.

The meet featured several Heart of America Athletic Conference programs, providing a preview of potential matchups for the upcoming championship meet.

"This was a great tune-up meet before conference to give us a good idea where we are compared to some top conference schools," said head coach Tom Shore. "Everyone is hitting season-best times right now, and we are excited for the last two weeks of season."

Cross country does not utilize head-to-head records, but Saturday's effort marked the final regular-season performance for the Yellowjackets, who now turn their focus to postseason competition.

Up Next

Graceland returns to the course Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11:45 a.m. CST for the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship, hosted at Seminole Valley Cross Country Course in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland cross country and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.