JOPLIN, mo. — Saturday proved a good day for Colorado schools at the NCAA Division II cross country championships.
The Colorado School of Mines men’s team won its first national championship in any sport, scoring 100 points to beat fellow Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference member Adams State (127).
The Adams State women’s team captured the team championship, its 19th national title overall.
Marty Andrie was the top finisher for the Orediggers men on the 10-kilometer course on the campus of Missouri Southern State University, finishing 18th in 30 minutes, 11.2 seconds. He was followed by Nathaneal Williams (21st, 30:13.7), RMAC runner of the year Dan Mahoney (22nd, 30:13.8) and Grant Colligan (33rd, 30:24.9).
All four of those runners earned All-American honors.
“I think this win is a testament to this program,” Mines coach Chris Siemers said in a news release. “We have been top five for straight years — knocking on that door so many times, and finally we kicked the door wide open. To win the first national title in school history … wow.”
Mines’ scoring performance was rounded out by Seth Topper (47th, 30:40.6).
“These kids prepare better than anyone in the nation,” Siemers said. “Today was seemingly everyone’s best race of the season.”
The Adams State women won the meet with 83 points, 14 ahead of Grand Valley.
Freshman Noel Prandoni led the Grizzlies with a 10th-place finish on the 6-kilometer course in a time of 20:21.5. She was followed by Jenna Thurman (11th, 20:48.4), Maura O’Brien (14th, 20:56.5), Grace Tinkley (21st, 21:03.1) and Kelsey Corbin (33rd, 21:16.7).
“I’m just extremely happy for them,” Adams State coach Damon Martin said. “I couldn’t be prouder of our seven girls. They ran tough. … Our alumni and fans should be real proud of these kids. They worked their tails off.”
