The Dordt University men's cross country team delivered a strong performance at the Briar Cliff Invitational this morning, finishing third overall in a competitive field at the Adams Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, South Dakota.

• Results | PDF

Led by freshman Steven Hebert, who crossed the line in 26:04.72 to place 16th, the 25th-ranked Defenders compiled a team score of 106 points, trailing only NCAA Division I South Dakota (25 points) and Creighton (39 points). Dordt's top five runners all finished within the top 30, showcasing the team's depth and consistency.

Joining Hebert in the Defenders top five:

• Hudson Hamilton (Fr.) – 18th place, 26:13.22
• Tage Hulstein (Sr.) – 26th place, 26:34.79
• Jamison Velzke (Fr.) – 27th place, 26:37.08
• Ethan Wynia (Fr.) – 33rd place, 26:59.32

The Dordt University men's cross country team delivered a strong performance at the Briar Cliff Invitational on Saturday, finishing third overall in a competitive field at the Adams Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, South Dakota.

• "It was a great day for the men," commented Dordt University Head Coach Nate Wolf. "Today was an outstanding opportunity for some young guys to race in our top group and gain valuable confidence and experience.  To have four freshmen men under 27:00, and in our top five runners is outstanding.  Freshman Steven Hebert ran an excellent race to lead the men.  He was patient early and really worked the middle portion of the race.  His strength showed through with a strong finish.  Four other freshmen, Hudson Hamilton, Jamison Velzke, Ethan Wynia, and Caleb Van Beek also had strong second collegiate races to finish in the scoring seven for the team."

By the Numbers:

• a total of 149 runners competed in today's 8K race
• 27 Defenders competed
• Dordt's 1-5 split: 55 seconds
• Dordt's 1-7 split: 1:10

Defender Notes: 

• Dordt had two runners finish in the top 25 and six in the top 35
• the Defenders have finished among the top three teams in every meet this season
• Dordt was the top NAIA finisher in today's race
•  Defenders ran personal best times:
  • Levi Bird - by 50 seconds
  • Tsion Bird - by 1:01
  • Collin Gordon - by 1:07
  • Hudson Hamilton -  by 37 seconds
  • Steven Hebert - by 1:40
  • Lane Larson - by 1:27
  • Jackson Prins - by 46 seconds
  • Anderson Schuttinga - by 1:06
  • Mark Swanson - by 12 seconds
  • Caleb Van Beek - by 1:34
  • Jamison Velzke - by 1:15
  • Ethan Wynia - by 52 seconds
• two Dordt runners, Steven Hebert and Caleb Van Beek, had their best finish
• Hamilton has a pair of top 25 finishes this season
• Hebert has a pair of top 25 finishes this season

Up Next: 

• Dordt will host its second meet of the season, the Holiday Inn Express Classic, next weekend (Oct.11)