Augustana cross country prepares for NSIC Championship campaign

As the leaves turn yellow and the temperature drops, Augustana’s cross country teams are gearing up for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championship, set to take place on Oct. 26 in Minot, North Dakota.

Tracy Hellman, director of cross country and track & field, is confident about both teams’ preparation. 

“Training has gone well,” Hellman said. “In our program, September is for training, and October and November are when championship season starts. Our fitness is very strong right now, and I do think that we are starting to hit our rhythm with things.” 

Hellman emphasized the importance of respecting opponents, as the team is representing Augustana on a large stage. 

“We need to rise to the occasion and be poised to face adversity,” Hellman said. “‘Nothing more, nothing less’ is a common saying in our program.”

Augustana’s cross country teams are favored to place well in the individual and team races. 

“There are some outstanding athletes and teams in our league,” Hellman said. “Plus, there are some very talented coaches, so we know we need to be at our best to come out on top.”

The women’s team was ranked fourth in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association preseason poll. They have earned three first place finishes, one third place finish and one fourth place finish with a total of 188 points. 

Senior Ella Bakken, a 2023 USTFCCCA All-Central Region and First Team All-NSIC runner, led the Vikings this season, placing in the top 12 at each meet. 

“Our main goal remains to be successful and compete well at the national meet, so it’s a good opportunity to practice our championship start, get more racing experience and gear up for the upcoming championship season,” Bakken said.

Senior Ryan Hartman, the 2023 NSIC athlete of the year and NCAA All-America honors winner, shared his personal goals for his final cross country NSIC Championship race.

“It would be great to win the team title four years in a row during my time here,” Hartman said. “It’s something not many athletes get to experience, and it would cap off what has already been an amazing journey. Beyond the personal accomplishments, it would be a testament to our entire team’s hard work and dedication, from the freshmen to the seniors and everyone who has helped us get to this point.”

Hartman has placed first in two of three races this season. He has also earned his third top-two finish after running his personal best of 23:38.48 in the 8k at the Lewis Crossover meet on Oct. 12 in Romeoville, Illinois. 

This year’s team combines the experience and leadership of 30 upperclassmen with the energy of 14 lively freshmen. 

“We’ve got a fantastic crew of incoming freshmen who’ve brought a lot of fresh energy and excitement,” Hartman said. “They’re pushing the rest of us to stay sharp. On the other hand, we’ve also got quite a few upperclassmen,many competing in their final season. That brings a sense of urgency and extra motivation to give everything we’ve got.”

Bakken also spoke of the women’s team’s positive momentum through the season. A majority of the team racing at the championship will be veterans. 

Hellman reiterates that his approach to the mental preparation for the championship is to “just keep things normal.” This philosophy resonates with both teams. 

“Although championship meets are highly competitive and pressurized, I try to remind myself that pressure is a privilege and that I am blessed to be on such an amazing team,” Bakken said.

Hellman and the teams are keeping their eyes on the bigger picture.

“This is one step along the way,” Hellman said. “Nothing matters till the NCAA [championship] is a mindset that all my teams have always had. We will continue striving for the top.” 

While the outcome of the NSIC Championship remains to be seen, the Augustana cross country teams are embracing the spirit of “nothing more, nothing less” as they stride toward their championship aspirations.

Following the completion of the NSIC Championship, the Vikings will head to the NCAA regional meet in Joplin, Missouri, on Nov. 9, before capping off the postseason at the NCAA championship in Sacramento, California, on Nov. 23.