JOPLIN, MO. - Running in a talented-loaded NCAA DII Central Regional field, the Missouri Western men's and women's cross country teams each posted their fastest team times in program history on Saturday. 

The Griffon women finished 17th in the 35-team field with a total time of 1:54:29 and 447 points.  Augustana (SD) won the team title with 33 points. 

Madison Nash was MWSU's top-finisher on the 6k course, placing 15th overall (21:18.1) and is on the bubble to qualify for the NCAA DII National Championships.  The field will be announced on Monday, November 8th.  

Seniors Megan Gillen and Allison Goos, two of MWSU's founding cross country members, concluded their XC career with a 67th place (22.33.6) and 83rd place finish (22.57.4) respectively. 

Lillian Cutler finished with a time of 23:18 and Abby Kinney crossed the finish at 24:21. Senior Page Kvale capped her cross country career with a time of 24:34.  Alexias Adams rounded out the group at 24:41.9.

The Missouri Western men's cross country team posted multiple PR's and a 15th-place finish, their best and fastest NCAA DII Central Regional performance in the program's five-year history.  The Griffons had a combined time of 2:41:36 with 422 points.  Augustana (SD) also won the men's regional with 43 points. 

Freshman Tyler Blay led the Griffons across the finish line with a PR time of 31.29.9, good enough for 47th overall.  Senior Riley Gorham closed his cross career with a 75th place showing and a  time of 32:08.  Freshman Kayden Crigger posted a PR time of 32.32 and senior Jacob Oyler capped his career with a PR of 32.42. Senior Konner Larkin finished right behind Oyler at 32.43.  Peter Cuddy (32.49) and Josh Zachary (34:15.5) rounded out the Griffon group with strong performances as well for the young and building program.