SAINT PETER, Minn. – Months of training and mental preparation culminates Saturday for the Gustavus men’s and women’s cross country teams as they compete at the MIAC Championships. Carleton serves as this year’s host with the men’s 8k race beginning at 11 a.m. and the women’s 6k race to follow at noon.
The Gustie women are seeking their first MIAC title since 2012 and leading the charge is Tierney Winter (Sr., Waterville). Two weeks ago at UW-La Crosse, Winter posted a career-best 22:08.1, which tied the 12th fastest 6k time in program history. Kourtney Kulseth (Jr., New Richland) ran her best 6k time of the season two weeks ago, finishing in 22:41.0. Iliana Ramon (So., Fairmont) has been a consistent presence in the Gustie lineup and had her best time of the season at UW-La Crosse, crossing the line in 23:01.1. Mackinzee Miest (So., St. James), Lily Engebretson (So., St. Paul), and Gabriella Passmore (Sr., Mapleton) are looked upon to make significant contributions as well, with a strong wave of runners to follow them.
The Gustie men, who last won the MIAC title in 1961, are led by two-time All-Conference performer Andrew Stumbo (Jr., Boone, Iowa). Stumbo finished last season’s MIAC meet in 15th place and has led the Gusties in three of four races this year. Garet Grant (So., Winona) has been on Stumbo’s heels all season, running a personal-best 25:31.0 at UW-La Crosse two weeks ago. Tucker Wallin (Fy., Red Wing), Ben Wicklund (So., Marine on St. Croix), Nick Kerbeshian (Jr., Plymouth), and Noah Johnson (So., Stillwater) have filled out the Gustie lineup and aim to drop the team’s point total on Saturday.