Husker Women Claim Second-Straight Team Title at Augustana Twilight

The Nebraska cross country team opened its 2024 season at the 13th annual Augustana Twilight on Friday night. 

The women won the team title with 33 points, led by sophomore Berlyn Schutz, who claimed the individual title with a personal-best 5k time of 16:20.78. Brynna McQuillen crossed the line at 16:50.57 to place third, and Taya Skelton (fifth, 17:11.93) and Cami Merickel (ninth, 17:34.60) joined them in the top 10. Hannah Godwin finished 15th with a 17:43.34 to round out the scoring lineup. South Dakota State finished second in the team competition with 43 points, and Augustana was third with 64.

The men earned a third-place finish with 56 team points. Trevor Acton led the Big Red with an eighth-place finish (18:45.96). Sam Kirchner (18:46.23), Liem Chot (18:46.84) and Dennis Chapman (18:47.04) finished in ninth, 10h and 11th, respectively. Riley Boonstra registered a 19:00.06 in his collegiate debut to place 19th and finish out the scoring for NU. Iowa Western CC finished first with 53 points and South Dakota State was second with 55.

Up Next: The Huskers will compete at the 34th annual Greeno/Dierksen Invitational at the Mahoney Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday, Sept. 21. Collegiate competition will start at 10 a.m. (CT). 

Women’s Lineup (5k)
1. Berlyn Schutz (16:20.78)
3. Brynna McQuillen (16:50.57)
5. Taya Skelton (17:11.93)
9. Cami Merickel (17:34.60)
15. Hannah Godwin (17:43.34)
28. Jacquelyn Abanses (18:02.79)
36. Zoie Ecord (18:24.93)

Men’s Lineup (4-Mile)
8. Trevor Acton (18:45.96)
9. Sam Kirchner (18:46.23)
10. Liem Chot (18:46.84)
11. Dennis Chapman (18:47.04)
19. Riley Boonstra (19:00.06)
22. Grant Wasserman (19.03.68)
27. Jack Witte (19:15.48)
40. Rico Leijenaar (19:34.52)
63. Colby Erdkamp (19:59.40)
126. Luca Arcuri (20:43.52)