The men and women’s cross country teams are heading into their biggest meets of the season, starting with the University Athletic Association championships this weekend. The teams will then receive a two week break before national qualifiers. Much improved over last year, both teams look to push towards a nationals appearance.

Last year, the women’s team fared well, finishing fifth at regionals out of 35 teams and sending Kelsey Aamoth to nationals as a third-year student. A team that was full of third-year students last year, the team returns experienced and poised to contend for nationals in this year’s postseason. Along with the group of six seniors Aamoth, Evy Hail, Kristen Ruckstuhl, Dana Jeter, Lydia Greene and Veronica Cole, the team includes the addition of sophomore Danielle Kulpins this season.

On the men’s side, the team showcased impressive improvement at the inter-regional competition last week, with most of team recording personal records. In the tough competition, the team placed eighth out of 37 teams. Similar to the women’s team, the men’s team returns with the same group they had last year along with some added younger talent. After having three runners dip under 25 minutes at the inter-regional competition last week, the men’s team looks to compete for a nationals spot at regionals.

The team continues their postseason this Saturday on Halloween, competing in the conference championships at Brandeis University.