By After last year’s Frontier Conference Championship win and an NAIA Championship placement of 25th, the men’s cross country team held their opening meet on Friday, Sept. 1.
The Fighting Saints seized their first victory at the University of Providence, placing first out of six teams.
“The team had a solid race all across the board,” said James Normandeau, a senior biochemistry major from Ronan, Mont. “Everyone competed well. Even though we didn’t place a runner in the top four, our guys made up five of the top 10 spots, and we won easily.”
The Saints welcomed four first years to the team, bringing their squad to a total of 12 runners. At the opening meet, 11 athletes competed for our men’s cross-country team.
Their success was made possible by several runners placing within the top 15.
Last year, the Saints placed 3rd behind Montana State University, Division I, and the University of Montana at the opening meet, MSU Bozeman Twilight.
“Our men have a lot of experience, so we’re looking forward to them using that this year,” said head coach Shannon Flynn. “Last year, they made a big step in being able to run as a pack, and it’s fun to see them executing that again this year in workouts and races. When they can run together for much of the race like they did this week, they can really support each other and bring great team energy to the race.”
This meeting is only a stepping stone for our Saints as they continue to prepare for more success.
“It was an absolutely great way to start the season for the team, see the conference, and show us where we are at currently,” said Brycen Gardner, sophomore civil engineering major from Spokane, Washington. “With that, we are anxious for what the rest of the season holds.”
