LAKEWOOD, WASH. - The Northwest University men's and women's cross-country team concluded their season opener in the Gator Cross on Saturday. 

The men's team finished fourth out of eight teams in a 6k race and averaged a team time of 19:07. The top five racers all finished within a time of 1:14 and combined for a total of 112 points. The men's side were led by reigning male athlete of the year and sophomore Josiah Jaquith finished 10th with a time of 18:21.7, which puts him on the podium of all male NAIA racers in the young season. 

The women's team finished fourth in a 4k with five other teams competing. The average time for the Eagles was 16:12 with the top five racers finishing within 1:52 from each other and nabbed 116 points on the day. Junior Rachel Elliot led the lady Eagles in this race, taking 21st with a time of 15:20.7. This is also good for Elliot to hold a spot on the female NAIA racing podium. 

"Thankful to God for opportunities like this to represent his Kingdom," said Head Coach Mark Mandi. "Great rust buster for our group. We've been training really well but it's always important to experience race day to get a better gauge on how people are doing. Josiah and Rachel continue to set the tone out front. They're both showing improvements in not just fitness but situational awareness. Behind them was a huge injection of new teammates mixed in with our returners and I've really enjoyed seeing how they're learning to work together. Coach Corban has been doing an amazing job preparing the team with their training and race planning. Looking forward to the next race and seeing our squad make good adjustments."

The Eagles will travel to Tillamook, Oregon next Saturday for the Mook Invite.