Jenny Ryan Head Coach | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
Jenny Ryan Head Coach | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
The Northern Michigan cross country team has earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Championships, marking its first team qualification since 2017 and the program’s 10th appearance overall. The announcement was made by the NCAA on Monday.
Currently ranked No. 12 nationally, the Wildcats secured their spot after finishing fourth out of 32 teams at the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The team's performance was led by All-Region athletes Mady Szymanski and Ashley Choponis, who placed 11th and 20th respectively with times of 21:17.45 and 21:41.78.
The rest of Northern's top seven included Sophia Potter (40th), Lamar Gordon (43rd), Beverly Harper (46th), Emma Sweeney (49th), and Dani VanLente (56th). Their combined efforts resulted in a total score of 160 points, placing them behind Grand Valley State, Cedarville, and Lewis—teams that are all ranked among the top three in the Midwest Regional poll. These schools, along with Walsh, will join Northern Michigan in representing the Midwest region at nationals.
This season marks NMU’s third competition in Kenosha, having also raced there for both the regional championships and Lucian Rosa Invite.
The NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Saturday, November 22 in Kenosha. The event will feature 34 teams competing for national honors beginning at 11 a.m. ET.
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