NAIA National Cross Country Coverage

Dan Crisler

While most Dakota State runners ran their last cross country meet of the season at the Association of Independent Institutions meet in California a couple of weeks ago, Matt Fideler and Andy Coy extended their seasons to one more meet. Coy and Fideler ran at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships in Vancouver, Washington last Saturday (November 19).

Fideler finished in 57th out of 312 participants, just behind Nathan Masta of Oklahoma Christian and ahead of Cody Glad out of Lewis-Clark State located in Idaho. Fideler finished with an overall time of 25:21, running at a time of 5:06 per kilometer.

Coy finished 84th, just behind Brandon Scott of Webber International in Florida and ahead of Cal State San Marco’s Clifford Crum. Coy finished with an overall time of 25:37 with a per kilometer time of 5:07.

Leading the entire field was Wayland Baptist’s (located in Texas) Kennedy Kithuka, who finished with an overall time of 23:15 with a pace per kilometer of 4:41.

With the conclusion of the NAIA Cross Country National Championships, DSU cross country enthusiasts will have to wait until next season to begin running again as the calendar has transitioned from fall to winter sports.

Main Picture (from left to right): DSU Cross Country Coach Anthony Drealan, Senior Runner Matt Fideler, Coach Buzz Stevenson.