Strong Youth Movement Highlights Cross Country Performances at Augustana Twilight
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — September 4, 2026 — The men's and women's cross country teams opened the 2026 season Friday evening at the Augustana Twilight XC Meet, competing against a large and competitive collegiate field. The men's team placed 13th in a field of 35 teams - their highest finish in recent memory.
On the men's side, junior Joseph Cross led the way for the team, covering the 5,000-meter course in 15:53.5. Freshman Hunter Patton followed with a strong performance of 16:20.4, while sophomore Carson Conway finished in 16:27.6.
Freshmen continued to make an impact throughout the men's lineup. Nathaneal Roberts posted a time of 16:47.5, followed closely by fellow freshman David Warden, who crossed the finish line in 16:51.7.
Sophomore Jude Shaughnessy recorded a time of 17:14.7, while sophomore Drake Nemetz finished in 17:35.4. Freshman Lane Bakken completed the course in 17:58.9.
Junior Jonathan Van Lien added a time of 19:08.4, followed by freshman Konner Marshall in 19:20.7 and senior Alan Santiagoin 21:43.6.
The women were led by senior Alexis Gosch, who completed the 5,000-meter course in 21:23.9. Sophomore Lilly Whiteshirtfollowed in 21:42.3, while sophomore Brenna Lyngstad recorded a time of 21:59.4.
Freshman Jovie Borer rounded out the women's competitors with a time of 23:24.7.
The Augustana Twilight featured a large and competitive collegiate field, with teams representing NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior college programs. The meet provided an early-season opportunity for both squads to test themselves against deep regional competition.
The season-opening meet also highlighted the youth of both programs, particularly on the men's side, where freshmen and sophomores made up the majority of the lineup. The women's team also featured a mix of experienced leadership and young talent, led by Gosch's senior presence alongside two sophomores and a freshman.
Both teams will look to build on their early-season performances as the 2026 cross country campaign continues on September 19th at the Greeno Dirksen Invitational in Lincoln, NE.
