CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho cross country teams are set to tackle the 2024 season with high expectations, as the women's team has been predicted to finish first in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) and the men's team is tied for first. Both teams face the challenge of overcoming significant losses from last year but are ready to showcase their depth and resilience.
The Yotes women's team enters the season as the defending national and conference champions. Despite losing four of their top five runners from last year, the squad remains a formidable contender. Senior Kahea Figueira, a five-time All-American and a standout with a seventh-place finish at last year's Cross Country Nationals, leads the team. Fellow senior Molly Connor, who has achieved five national qualifications across cross country and track, and sophomores Julia Gilbert and Kylee Quinton, who were national qualifiers last year, will also be key contributors.
Adding to the depth of the women's team are new recruits Kimbrie Knudsen and Larissa Mauer. Knudsen, a freshman with an impressive 5k PR of 18:44, and Mauer, a fifth-year runner and two-time All-American returning after a year off, bring additional talent and experience. While the losses of Ellyse Tingelstad, Sage Martin, and Abbey Shirts—three top-tier athletes with multiple national accolades—are significant, the team's core and new additions are expected to fill the gaps effectively.
On the men's side, the Yotes are tied for first place in the preseason poll. The team benefits from strong returners, including fifth-year runner Daniel Butler, a two-time All-American who finished 11th at Cross Country Nationals last year, and senior Hayden Bostrom, also a two-time All-American. Senior Elias Everist and Brevin Vaughan, along with promising freshmen Hunter Hill and Isaac Anttonen, are expected to provide strong support.
The men's team will be addressing the loss of Braden Heath and Will Kracaw, both notable qualifiers and contributors. Heath, a four-time Cross Country National Qualifier and steeplechase All-American, and Kracaw, a two-time qualifier, will be missed, but the depth and talent of the remaining and new runners are set to keep the team competitive.
As the College of Idaho cross country teams gear up for the new season, the anticipation is high. With the women's team aiming to defend their title and the men's team looking to rise to the top, both squads are prepared to make a significant impact in the CCC and beyond.
