Santa Clarita, CA- In receiving national qualifying performances from seniors Brandon Ericson and Trent Janssen, and season best performances from their underclassmen, the men's cross country team managed to take third place at this year's GSAC Cross Country Championships.  While the men's team saw many great performances at the race, none were better than what they received from the senior Janssen and freshman Braxton Pingleton.

Head Coach Brent Fahsholz said, "Trent is one of the greatest developmental stories in program history.  Last season he finished 44^th overall and ran two minutes slower than he did today – on a faster course.  The transformation he has made in one year has been an inspiration to me and to our team.  His being able to finish his cross country career at the National Championships is more than well deserved."

Janssen crossed the 8K course in 26:20 and finished 21^st overall yesterday. It was by finishing 15^th among point scoring runners though which allowed him to join his fellow senior Ericson at the national meet.  Ericson ran 25:56 and was 18^thoverall and 14^th among point scorers.  

Where Janssen's career is coming to a triumphant end, the freshman Pingleton is just beginning what looks to be a promising collegiate running career.

Said Coach Fahsholz, "I cannot over state how impressed I was with Braxton today.  He was so sharp, and yet so relaxed.  He put himself in the race from the very beginning and never let up.  He is a born racer, and the energy he brings to racing and practices has helped our team immensely this season."

Rounding out the top five for the Firestorm was junior Trevin Janssen (26^th in 26:49) and freshman Peter Brown (28^th in 27:15).

Concluded Fahsholz, "Everyone contributed to the team's success today.  Even someone like Peter who did not have his best day, raced in such a way which helped to set up teammates like Braxton and Trevin to run their best.  Cross country is a dance between team efforts and individual efforts, and I thought each runner today bore that balance exceptionally well." 

Event Details

• GSAC Cross Country Championship
• Team Finish: 3^rd/6
• Team Time: 2:13.08 
• Number of runners: 53
• Location: Central Park (Santa Clarita, CA)

Individual Finish

• Brandon Ericson: 25:56 (18^th) *NAIA National Qualifier
• Trent Janssen: 26:20 (21^st) *NAIA National Qualifier
• Braxton Pingleton: 26:46 (25th)
• Trevin Janssen: 26:49 (26th) 
• Peter Brown: 27:15 (28th)
• Jaden Morton: 27:46 (31st)
• Michael Sexon: 28:20 (39th)
• Brady Lambrecht: 29:44 (44th) 

Team Finish

1. The Master's University - 21 points
2. Embry-Riddle - 38 points
3. Arizona Christian - 86 points
4. Hope Intl. - 121 points
5. Park (Gilbert) - 148 points
6. Ottawa (AZ) - 156 points 

Next On the Schedule
Friday November 22nd, the NAIA National Cross Country Championships will be held in Columbia, MO at Gans Creek Cross Country Course.  Seniors Ericson and Janssen will participate.  Men's race will start at 10:30am CT.

Roll Storm!