Yaeger, Willadsen pace men's cross country at IIAC Championships

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Nick Yaeger placed 37th overall and the Simpson men's cross country team placed sixth of eight teams at the Iowa Conference Championships at Pickard Park on Saturday.

It was a cool, breezy, clear day for the championships, hosted by Simpson.

"Hosting the IIAC Championships at Pickard Park, a place where we train almost daily, was a great thrill," head coach Heath Moenck said. "The meet was huge success."

Simpson scored 176 points, just behind Dubuque (169). Loras (33) won the team title, followed by Central (37), Luther (77) and Wartburg (84). Central's Cole Decker won medalist honors.

Yaeger navigated the 8k course in 27:18.6, leading a tight group of Simpson front-runners.

"Our men competed hard and gave a great effort today," Moenck said. "They gave everything they had."

Blake Willadsen finished right behind Yaeger, taking 38th in 27:19.2. Ethan Pellegrino came in 43rd (27:24.2).

Ian McKenzie came in 66th (28:05.6), Andrew Mayes came in 67th (28:08.9), Nathaniel Jones took 70th (28:18.9) and Thomas Kolbo took 82nd (28:35.7) to round out Simpson's top seven finishers.

Up Next

Simpson goes to the NCAA Central Region Championship on Saturday, Nov. 15 in Pella.