ASHLAND, Nebraska — The College of Idaho cross country team put on a commanding performance at the Blazing Tiger Classic, with graduate student Daniel Butler clinching his third victory of the season. Butler led the men's team, finishing first nearly 30 seconds ahead of the competition. The women finished second in a stacked field of nationally ranked teams.
In a stunning display, the Yotes secured the top three spots in the men's race, with Butler followed closely by teammates Hayden Bostrom and Elias Everist. Cyress Wilson and Brevin Vaughan completed the scoring for the team, who all finished with an impressive time of 25:01 or faster. The College of Idaho men's team won the overall competition by 38 points, scoring a total of 31 points.
The men's race featured a competitive field, including five Top 25 teams and four others receiving votes. The College of Idaho, ranked third nationally, outperformed No. 4 Saint Mary (KS), No. 11 Dordt, No. 15 Doane, No.18 Kansas Wesleyan, and other notable contenders.
On the women's side, the No. 5 Yotes claimed second place overall. Kahea Figueira led the team with a strong individual finish, taking second place in the 6k with a time of 21:36.44. Julia Gilbert, Kylee Quinton, Molly Connor, and Kimbrie Knudsen rounded out the scoring runners for the women's team, which faced six Top 25 teams and six teams receiving votes. They crossed the line before No. 7 Dordt, No. 15 Lewis-Clark State, No. 17 Kansas Wesleyan, and No. 19 Mount Mercy, losing only to the No. 3 team in the NAIA.
The dominant performances by both teams solidified the College of Idaho's status as a force in collegiate cross country as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
