Mustangs Win Heart of America Conference Championship

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—Mount Mercy hosted this year's Heart of America Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship, where the Mustangs' women's team claimed the conference title and earned a spot at Nationals.

The Mustangs secured the women's 6k race title at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship with a total of 36 points, finishing ahead of Benedictine (49 points) and Baker (104 points).

Abby Knepper led the way for Mount Mercy, crossing the finish line second overall with a time of 22:37.1. Kalin Rotzoll was close behind in third place with a time of 22:38.8, while Kayla Overton finished eighth at 22:49.7. All three earned first-team all-conference honors for their performances.

Emma Althoff (11th, 23:05.2) and Ruth Jennings (12th, 23:06.4) also contributed strong finishes and were named all-conference honorable mentions.

Clarke's Rory Bickler claimed the individual title with a time of 22:27.5.

The NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championship will be held on Friday, November 22nd, in Columbia, Missouri. A start time will be announced at a later date.