The Buccaneers traveled to Fort Dodge, IA to compete at the NJCAA DII Cross Country Nationals. Kayla Parisien, returning for her second year at Nationals, placed 13th out 156 runners, which automatically qualified her to be named as an All American at the meet on Saturday.

Kayla was in 24th after the first mile and moved up into 15th after the second mile. During mile two she was fighting for her position to stay in 15th place (which is an automatic position for All American). With 800 meters to go, she took off and moved up to 13th place and stayed there through the finish, earning her All American status.

Coach Alex Chase Wolff said, “After mile one I knew she felt good and had the ability to move into the top 15. The next time I saw her on the course she was right where she needed to be. She never let up and finished strong. I am so proud of her and how far she has come since last year.  I can’t wait to see her continued success, as well as the program’s.”

Kayla is the first cross country All American in the school’s history, as well as the first athlete to qualify and compete at the cross country national meet two years in a row.

The Bucs also had two men competing. Out of 172 runners, Zach Austin placed 93rd, with a personal record of 29:28, and Jonah DuCharme placed 127th.

The cross country team will be taking the week to celebrate and rest, and then will get right back into training for the track season that begins in January.