WAVERLY, IOWA -- Competing against some of the top programs in the country, the North Park men's and women's cross country programs raced well on Saturday at the NCAA Div. III Midwest Regional, seeing massive individual improvement from the team across the board. 

On the men's side, sophomore Ali Karatas was the top finisher for the Vikings with a time of 27:18.3. He officially etched his name in the North Pack record books, using his time to climb to the 21st spot on the all-time list.

"That performance by Ali was pretty special if you ask me," Director of Track & Field and Cross-Country Coach Bisrat Kidane said. "He has been ready to do this for some time and each time we have had a setback. It's been an up-and-down season for him and I believe this helps validate all the work and hours spent training." 

Senior Sean Sanaghan raced his final cross-country race of his illustrious North Park career. The senior took 155^th with a time of 28:04.2. "Sean is the definition of grit and grind; he doesn't back down from anything and he showed that today after having a setback earlier in the season" said Coach Kidane. "I am truly grateful for his presence and his commitment to our program." 

The women's 6,000-meter race kicked off the meet with the Vikings taking 30^th place overall out of 31 teams. 

Sophomore Ellie Parker led the squad for the first time this season, clocking a 26:04.2 and finishing 147th overall. Freshman Sophie Hummitsch placed second among Vikings, crossing the line in 26:36.1. Sophomore Mackenzie Engbert made her regional debut and scored with a time of 28:21.7. Junior Emma Klein (30:05.9) and sophomore Erika Ver Beek (30:23.5) wrapped up the top five for North Park. 

"I'm proud of the resilience of our women's team and how they showed up after the CCIW Championships," Coach Kidane said. "We came into the regional championships wanting to prove something and, though many may not see it that way, that's exactly what we did. Our women ran with a lot of grit and a ton of passion. These ladies deserve to be acknowledged for their outstanding hard work." 

Top 25 Performance 

• Ali Karatas is now 21^st all-time in NPU history in the 8,000-Meters. 

Personal Records:  

• Ellie Parker – 26:09.0 
• Sophie Hummitsch – 26:36.1 
• Mackenzie Engbert – 28:21.7 
• Sofia Volkmann – 32:47.2 
• Ali Karatas – 27:18.3 
• Michael Kleiner – 36:38.7