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COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri cross country team is set to compete in the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships, taking place at the scenic Newman Golf Course in Peoria, Illinois, on Friday, November 15. This prestigious event will showcase the talents of some of the best collegiate athletes in the region.
The Tigers are fielding a strong lineup of competitors, with Rahel Broemmel, Nicole Louw, Charlotte Cullen, McKenna Revord, Natalie Barnard, Allison Newman, Anneken Viljoen, and Kaia Downs ready to represent Mizzou in the women’s race scheduled for 11 a.m. CT. Meanwhile, the men’s team, donning their Black and Gold uniforms, will be led by Ryder James, Drew Rogers, Blake Morris, Tyler Freiner, Declan Tunney, Joshua Allison, Jamie Mora, and Brenden Heitzig, all of whom will compete in the men’s 10k race starting at noon.
The competition will be fierce, as Mizzou will face tough challengers that include host team Bradley, along with other formidable programs such as Oklahoma State, Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa State, and many more. In total, the Tigers will go up against a robust lineup of 36 teams, making this regional a highly competitive meet.
The women will tackle a challenging 6k course in their regional competition, while the men’s team will navigate a demanding 10k. Last year, the men’s team finished 11th overall, with standout Blake Morris leading the charge with a commendable time of 31:46.6. The women’s team, demonstrating their potential, secured a 12th-place finish, showcasing the depth of talent within the program.
The stakes are high, as the top two teams in each regional will earn an automatic spot in the NCAA Championships, which are set for November 23 in Madison, Wisconsin. Additionally, four individuals who place among the top finishers but are not part of the top teams will also qualify for the prestigious national event.
The NCAA Division I Cross Country subcommittee will be tasked with selecting 13 at-large teams from the regional competitions, further narrowing down the field for the finals. In an exciting twist, only two individual runners will be granted at-large bids, making each race a critical opportunity to secure a spot.
As the Tigers gear up for this region, they are eager to break a long-standing absence from the NCAA Championship event, with their last team appearance coming in 2016. The last individual qualifier for the championships was Marquette Harrison, who achieved this milestone in 2022.
This regional race will be the second postseason competition for the Tigers, following their performance at the Southeastern Conference Championships held in College Station, Texas, on November 1. The men’s team made a strong showing by placing fifth, while the women’s team finished in 13th place, demonstrating the formidable spirit of both squads.
Drew Rogers emerged as a key performer for the men at the SEC Championships, finishing 11th and setting a personal best time of 22:54.1 in the 8k event. For the women, Rahel Broemmel also shone brightly, achieving a personal record of 19:39.7 and finishing 13th. Their exceptional performances earned them spots on the All-SEC Second Teams, further solidifying their status as top-tier athletes.
Which individual athletes should fans keep an eye on during the upcoming NCAA Midwest Regional Championships?
**Interview with Mizzou Cross Country Coach, Sarah Thompson**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Thompson. The NCAA Midwest Regional Championships are just around the corner. How are the teams feeling as they prepare for this important event?
**Coach Thompson:** Thanks for having me! The teams are feeling great and are excited to compete. We’ve had a solid training block leading up to this, and the athletes are eager to test their skills against some tough competition. The atmosphere is positive, and everyone is focused on their goals.
**Editor:** The Tigers will face a tough lineup, including teams like Oklahoma State and Kansas. What strategies are you using to prepare for the challenges ahead?
**Coach Thompson:** Absolutely, it’s a very competitive field. Our strategy includes building both physical stamina and mental toughness. We’ve been focusing on race simulations and running together as a team to strengthen our pack mentality. We want to support each other out there on the course, especially since the regional is such a crucial race for us.
**Editor:** Can you tell us about some individual athletes to watch in this year’s competition?
**Coach Thompson:** For our women’s team, keep an eye on Rahel Broemmel and Nicole Louw; both have been performing exceptionally well this season. On the men’s side, Ryder James and Blake Morris have shown great promise and will be key players for us in the 10k. They’ve been working hard, and I’m confident they can lead our teams to strong finishes.
**Editor:** Last year, the men’s team placed 11th. What improvements do you expect this year?
**Coach Thompson:** Our goal this year is to improve our overall standings. Last year was a stepping stone, and with the experience gained, our athletes are more prepared. We have a well-rounded group, and if everyone can execute their race plans, I believe we can move up significantly in the rankings.
**Editor:** How do you think the unique setting of Newman Golf Course will influence the races?
**Coach Thompson:** The course in Peoria is beautiful but also challenging. It has some twists and turns, which means runners need to be strategic in their pacing and positioning. I believe that familiarity with the terrain will benefit us, as our runners have trained on similar courses. It will be a true test of their skills and adaptability.
**Editor:** what is your message to the athletes as they head into this competition?
**Coach Thompson:** I just want them to remember all the hard work they’ve put in. Focus on the process, trust in their training, and have fun out there. This is a great opportunity to showcase their talent on a big stage, and I know they’re going to give it their all.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Thompson, for your insights. We wish the Mizzou cross country team the best of luck at the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships!
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you! We appreciate your support!
