By: Jeff DeGraw
The Wolves' cross country teams both placed third at the NJCAA Division III National meet this past Saturday in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
The meet was run in the unlikeliest of weather as it snowed heavy on Saturday morning as the Division III races were the first to go.Â
In the men's race,
Nathan Ciarlette was the individual runner-up and
Gavin Carlson placed 10
th to lead the Wolves as both earned All-American status.
"What a crazy day," Wolves coach
Jeff DeGraw said. "It started to snow as we were on the way to the race course and it never stopped. Being the first races had both advantages and disadvantages, but everyone had to run it. If you were a spectator you had no idea where the course was. You just had to find the lead vehicle and watch for the athletes behind.Â
"We were always in position in the top three as a team throughout the race and I'm certainly happy with the overall result. Anytime you can come home with hardware (Top 3) it's a plus. Two freshmen,
Glen Earnest and
Adrian Castillo, ran really well as they were our fourth and fifth runners and did a fantastic job."
The women were next up and with it still snowing, there wasn't much difference in the race as the Wolves were between second and third place the entire race. Gabby Zid placed 8
th and
Allison Behounek was 10
th to also receive All-American awards.
"I thought the women ran great and it was their first podium finish since 2021," DeGraw said. "
Vivienne Forte and
Ember Myers ran very well as our third and fourth runners. Gabby [Zid] was steady as she has been all season and Allison [Behounek] had an absolutely great season and that shows what doing your summer running and having confidence can do for you.
"I would also like to thank our athletic director Gregg Braun and all the parents who braved the wet, snowy day for all of their support. It will be a meet that will be remembered for a long time."
The double podium finish was also the first for the Wolves since 2021.
