MEDORA, N.D. – The Dickinson State cross country teams turned in steady performances at their home meet Saturday, hosting the Blue Hawk Invitational at Badlands Ministries in Medora, North Dakota. The men's squad placed fourth overall, while the women's team finished fifth.
On the men's side, junior Caleb Sarsland led the Blue Hawks with a strong fourth-place finish, clocking 25 minutes, 50 seconds over the 8,000-meter course. Sarsland battled with the chase pack before pulling away late to secure his top-five result against a field that included defending NAIA national qualifiers Rocky Mountain College. Freshman Caleb Swisher crossed 18th in 27:58, followed by sophomores Eli Heacock (29th, 28:41) and Hudson Atkinson (31st, 28:48). Sophomore Jacob Littleton closed the scoring in 29:03 for 34th. Dickinson State tallied 96 points to place fourth, behind champion Rocky Mountain (19), Jamestown (68) and Bismarck State (68).
"Caleb ran a fantastic race against top-tier NAIA runners from Rocky Mountain, who went to nationals as a team last year," head coach Dr. Thomas Schwartz said.
The Blue Hawk women were led by senior Lauren Taylor, who placed 19th in 24:51 for 6,000 meters. Sophomore Mia Handran (21st, 24:55) and senior Natalie Lile (23rd, 25:01) ran close behind, with Lile clocking a season best. Junior Loli Jarrett produced the highlight of the day with a lifetime best of 25:32, trimming one minute and 20 seconds off her previous mark. Freshman Kheyerah Bilger (27th, 25:51) rounded out the scoring five as DSU totaled 110 points. Rocky Mountain won the women's team title with 34 points, followed by MSU Billings (47), Jamestown (59) and Bismarck State (97).
"On the women's side, Lauren and Mia were close to their lifetime bests, and Loli ran a lifetime best," Schwartz said.
Dickinson State Men's Finishers
4. Caleb Sarsland, JR – 25:50.0
18. Caleb Swisher, FR – 27:58.1
29. Eli Heacock, SO – 28:41.8
31. Hudson Atkinson, JR – 28:48.4
34. Jacob Littleton, SO – 29:03.0
41. Kyler Holinde, FR – 29:32.6 (Lifetime best)
45. Brady Hoverson, SO – 30:16.6 (Season best)
57. Drew Abrahamson, FR – 36:13.3 (Lifetime best)
Dickinson State Women's Finishers
19. Lauren Taylor, SR – 24:51.2
21. Mia Handran, SO – 24:55.4
23. Natalie Lile, SR – 25:01.6 (Season best)
27. Kheyerah Bilger, FR – 25:51.8
29. Loli Jarrett, JR – 25:32.2 (Lifetime best)
39. Amanda Willis, FR – 29:52.5
