Simpson moves up one spot in regional rankings

NEW ORLEANS - The Simpson men's and women's cross country teams both came in seventh in the newest edition of the USTFCCCA Midwest Regional Rankings, as announced, Tuesday. The men held their spot for the third straight week, while the women moved up one spot from last week.

The men were led at the Aurora Invitational by Spencer Moon. Moon went under 25 minutes in the 8 kilometer event for the fourth time in his career, claiming his fifth individual cross country title. Moon's performance was the main reason why the Storm men earned second place at the meet as a team. Sophomore Cade Mash always ran a career-best 8K to place 10th overall for the Storm. Simpson defeated Chicago at the race, who at the time was ranked fourth in the region.

The Storm women also competed at the Aurora Invitational, which had over half of the top ten teams in the region compete. Simpson placed fourth overall, defeating two teams that were in the rankings at the time in Illinois Wesleyan and North Central (Ill.). For the second straight meet, sophomore Emma Angus led the Storm, finishing in 11th place with a time of 23:59.6 over 6K. Lara Kallem returned to the lineup to place 17th overall, while the Storm got a great performance from Emily Erhardt, placing 21st.

Both squads have one final race before the American Rivers Conference Championships, as they will both travel to Ashland, Neb, for the Platte River Rumble on Oct. 14.

USTFCCCA Midwest Regional Rankings - Men
1. Wartburg
2. North Central (Ill.)
3. Washington (Mo.)
4. Loras
5. Chicago
6. Central (Iowa)
7. Simpson
8. Luther
9. Millikin
10. Cornell College

USTFCCCA Midwest Regional Rankings - Women
1. Wartburg
2. Chicago
3. Washington (Mo.)
4. Loras
5. Central (Iowa)
6. Wheaton (Ill.)
7. Simpson
8. Millikin
9. Aurora
10. Grinnell