KENOSHA, Wis. — For the third straight year, Davis & Elkins cross country made its mark on the national stage at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships, and this season brought even bigger milestones.
The women earned a program-first Top 25 finish, placing 23rd, highlighted by senior Lauren Twyman's historic 60th-place finish in 21:24.7 — the fastest ever by a D&E female athlete at the national meet and just 20 seconds shy of All-American honors. Juniors Lydia Falkenstein (120th, 22:03.2) and Rebecca Tellez (124th, 22:04.6), senior Savanna Hardman (160th, 22:25.2), and freshman Jeanne Pelissier (189th, 22:44.7) rounded out the scoring five, while juniors Zoe Belshan and Brooke Jacobs added depth to the squad.
"This weekend's national championship performance was a great end to a special season," said head coach Jason Pyles. "Both groups left all they had on that national course! I couldn't be any prouder."
The men continued their streak of national success with a 30th-place team finish, marking their third consecutive Top 30 result. Senior Christopher Lucas led the team with a 115th-place finish in 31:51.4, followed by senior Cooper Gibson (150th, 32:13.2) and senior Konnor Allison (179th, 32:28.9). Freshman Fletcher Van Heuven (188th, 32:32.8) and junior Slate Swiger (202nd, 32:44.7) completed the scoring five, with seniors Jordan Thomas and Tommy Bildheiser also competing.
Reflecting on the women's historic finish, Pyles said, "The Top 25 was a program achievement we had been chasing in our previous national appearances, so it was a big highlight to see it happen. Lauren's individual finish was the best in women's history as well, just 20 seconds from All-American." He added that the men "continued to knock on the door of reaching that same Top 25 finish with their third straight nationals in the Top 30."
Pyles also praised the dedication of all the student-athletes. "I'm so proud of these student-athletes, both for their success on the course this fall and for their commitment to putting in hard work year-round to get here. Our sights already turn to getting back to the national championships as a team for the fourth straight year next fall in Kansas City!"
The NCAA Division II Championships were held at the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where both teams competed against some of the nation's top programs. With historic finishes and individual milestones, the Senators closed out another remarkable season and set the stage for even bigger accomplishments in the future.
Women's Individual Results – 6k:
Lauren Twyman [SR] – 60th (21:24.7)
Lydia Falkenstein [JR] – 120th (22:03.2)
Rebecca Tellez [JR] – 124th (22:04.6)
Savanna Hardman [SR] – 160th (22:25.2)
Jeanne Pelissier [FR] – 189th (22:44.7)
Zoe Belshan [JR] – 235th (23:25.5)
Brooke Jacobs [JR] – 245th (23:37.3)
Women's 6k Full Results
Men's Individual Results – 10k:
Christopher Lucas [SR] – 115th (31:51.4)
Cooper Gibson [SR] – 150th (32:13.2)
Konnor Allison [SR] – 179th (32:28.9)
Fletcher Van Heuven [FR] – 188th (32:32.8)
Slate Swiger [JR] – 202nd (32:44.7)
Jordan Thomas [SR] – 214th (32:58.5)
Tommy Bildheiser [SR] – 232nd (33:25.5)
Men's 10k Full Results
