Blue Hawks turn in great performances at Lancer Invitational, women take first
YANKTON, S.D. – The Dickinson State cross country teams are hitting their stride at the right time, putting together their best performances of the season heading into the NSAA Conference Championships in two weeks. The Blue Hawks competed at the Lancer Cross Country Invitational hosted by Mount Marty University and the women came in first place while the men took second.
Caleb Sarsland turned in another strong performance to lead the Blue Hawk men, finishing in fifth place overall and the top NAIA finisher. Will Flowers (13th), Cole Jensen (16th), and Fynn Krenz (19th) all finished inside the top 20, giving DSU 25 percent of the top finishers in the 8K race.
On the women's side, Emberlyn Hoffman-Gaschk finished in second place to lead the Blue Hawks winning effort. In addition, Dickinson State had three more runners finish in the top 10 with Elizabeth Widmer (7th), Alexius Miller (9th), and Natalie Lile (10th) joining Hoffman-Gaschk. Lauren Taylor made it five in the top 15 as she finished 14th.
"It was a great finish to the season for both teams," said head coach Shayne Wittkopp. "They both competed so well throughout the race. It's always good to see their hard work pay off in a race. It was really great to see the women get the win today. The whole lineup ran well and that's what it takes in college to win a meet."
The Lancer Invitational was the final regular-season meet for the Blue Hawks as they now turn their attention to the NSAA Conference Championships November 3 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.