For the first time since 1992, the Northwestern College women's cross country team has qualified for the NAIA national meet. The Red Raiders, ranked 15th in the final poll released earlier this week, received one of 15 at-large bids in the 29-team field. They join two other region III schools, Concordia (Neb.) and Black Hills State (S.D.).
The NAIA national meet will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Dr. Wayne E. Dannehl Cross Country Course in Kenosha, Wis. Simon Fraser (B.C.) is the four-time defending champion and have been ranked number one all season. They have won nine women's titles overall.
The Red Raiders earned their spot at nationals after a second place finish at the regional meet last weekend. NWC finished behind Concordia but ahead of a ranked Black Hills State squad. Olivia Johnson was the individual champion with a 5K time of 17:51 and Charity Miles placed second overall with a time of 17:53. By finishing in the top five individually, both runners automatically qualified for the national meet. Earlier this season, the team was ranked in the top 25 for the first time in the program's history.
List of Qualifiers for the 2007 NAIA Cross Country Championships
