KIRKLAND - The NU cross country team is racing with a fair collection of experience and new arrivals in 2023.

With fourteen returning runners and eight newcomers, the men's and women's teams have both been placed sixth in the Cascade Collegiate Conference rankings.

Seven retuning men's runners competed in the CCC Championships last year as well as all four women's returners. This gives the team a wealth of expereince and an inclination to return to the tournament. 

Captains for the 2023 season include Kaylea Hartman, Lizzy Behnke, Cameron Nielsen, and Jarron Ransford. Head Coach Mark Mandi says, "We are blessed to have so many great leaders on our team. I can't speak highly enough of these student-athletes."

Returning after the 2023 season of accolades in track is senior Micah Murphy. Micah was named 2023 NU Male Athlete of the Year.

Each team has four athletes joining the squad, a development for the women especially who had no newcomers last year. "We have a fantastic group of newcomers on both the men's and women's side," says Coach Mandi. "I'm expecting each of them to contribute in meaningful ways, whether that's being a listening ear to a teammate, a prayer warrior, or someone who can help push teammates during practices. Our goal is to be a God-honoring team that maximizes the gifts that God has given us."

The cross country season kicks off at the University of Puget Sound Invite in Lakewood, WA, on September 2.