Weather is expected to be in the high 40s to mid-50s with light winds for good running conditions, but the focus will be on racing as opposed to times with the championship setting. To qualify for nationals, the Saints will need to win on either side to receive an automatic qualifier. Teams can also qualify via an at-large bid with a high enough national ranking, but it does not seem likely that a second Frontier team will receive a bid this year on either side with the top Frontier teams for both men (Rocky Mountain) and women (Carroll) not currently in the NAIA Top 25. This will be the first meet of the year with the full set of teams from the Frontier Conference, adding uncertainty and competitiveness.
"We've continued to emphasize the process this season, so we want to show up ready to control what we can and to bring energy that focuses on the team," said Head Coach Shannon Flynn. "It's exciting that it's really an even playing field across the conference in terms of how to qualify for Nationals this year. That's the fun part about sports, so we plan to embrace that and to use our preparation to compete at our highest level for the season!"
The men's 8K race will start at 10:30 a.m. at Amend Park in Billings with the women's 6K race at 11:30 a.m. An awards ceremony will follow at approximately 12:30 p.m. to recognize Champions of Character as well as athletic and academic awards.
Last year the Saints women won the Frontier Conference Championship in an upset and went on to place 20th at the national meet. The men placed second in the Frontier before placing 16th at nationals. Returning all-conference runners include Morris, Jack Jensen, Boonstra, and Ryah O'Dell.
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Carroll College
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