THIS WEEK IN DICKINSON STATE CROSS COUNTRY
Dickinson State University cross-country returns to familiar ground this Friday for the 2025 Frontier Conference Cross Country Championships, hosted by Rocky Mountain College at Amend Park in Billings, Montana. The women's 6K begins at 10:30 a.m. (MT), followed by the men's 8K at 11:30 a.m. (MT).
The Blue Hawks are no strangers to Amend Park, having raced the course earlier this season at the Yellowjacket/Battlin' Bear Open, where numerous athletes posted season-best or personal-record performances across the board.
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DSU Men's Team – 8K
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| Athlete |
Class |
Amend Park Time |
Season Best (Meet) |
| Caleb Sarsland |
Jr. |
24:45.11 (1st place) |
24:21.5 – Blazing Tiger Classic |
| Caleb Swisher |
Fr. |
27:26.97 |
27:04.2 – Blazing Tiger Classic |
| Hudson Atkinson |
Sr. |
28:04.39 |
27:13.1 – Blazing Tiger Classic |
| Jacob Littleton |
So. |
28:19.76 |
28:19.8 – Battlin' Bear Open |
| Eli Heacock |
So. |
28:24.98 |
28:22.4 – Marauders Invitational |
| Brady Hoverson |
So. |
30:24.03 |
29:58.4 – Blazing Tiger Classic |
| Kyler Holinde |
Fr. |
31:52.04 |
29:42.4 – Blazing Tiger Classic |
| Drew Abrahamson |
Fr. |
35:00.66 |
33:59.6 – Blazing Tiger Classic |
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DSU Women's Team – 6K
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| Athlete |
Class |
Amend Park Time |
Season Best (Meet) |
| Natalie Lile |
Sr. |
24:15.69 |
24:15.7 – Battlin' Bear Open |
| Loli Jarrett |
Jr. |
24:27.26 |
24:11.0 – Blazing Tiger Classic |
| Mia Handran |
So. |
24:23.94 |
23:36.9 – Blazing Tiger Classic |
| Lauren Taylor |
Sr. |
25:33.11 |
24:06.3 – Blazing Tiger Classic |
| Kheyerah Bilger |
Fr. |
26:03.51 |
25:31.6 – Marauders Invitational |
| Amanda Willis |
Fr. |
30:28.04 |
29:11.6 – Marauders Invitational |
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COACH'S PERSPECTIVE
"Having already raced at Amend Park this fall is a real advantage," said head coach Dr. Thomas Schwartz. "Familiarity helps athletes visualize the race—they can anticipate how to handle each section. We'll walk the course again before Friday's championship, using that visualization to bring out their best performances."
In his first year leading the program, Dr. Schwartz has brought a focused and individualized approach to training and culture-building.
"These athletes are committed to daily improvement and believe in their own potential," Dr. Schwartz said. "We're not just chasing fast times—we're building a sustainable program with confident, resilient runners."
Dr. Schwartz emphasizes personalized coaching as a cornerstone of the team's growth.
"As their coach, I'm constantly adjusting the sails—tailoring training and conversations to meet each athlete's needs. That adaptability helps them break through barriers and build confidence in what's possible."
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STANDOUT PERFORMER
Caleb Sarsland, currently ranked 22nd nationally in the NAIA, enters the championships as a top contender for the individual title after a season of consistent top finishes.
"Watching Caleb lead a deep NAIA field at the Blazing Tiger Classic was unforgettable," Dr. Schwartz added. "But beyond individual results, what excites me most is the team's growing belief. We're building momentum, not just for this meet—but for the future of DSU Cross Country."
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WHATS NEXT
The Frontier Conference Championships serve as the final tune-up ahead of the NAIA Cross Country National Championships, set for November 21 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida.
