XC Notebook: 2024 Final Notes

XC Notebook: 2024 Final Notes

LAST TIME OUT
The University of Iowa men’s and women’s cross country teams wrapped up postseason competition on Nov. 15 at the NCAA Midwest Regional. The men placed 13th with a score of 389 points, while the women finished in 17th place with 478 points.

SEASON WRAP UP
The Hawkeyes finished the 2024 season strong, performing well at the Bradley Pink Classic, where the men placed third and the women finished 10th. The team also had consistent results at the Gans Creek Classic, with the women placing 12th out of 38 teams and the men finishing 13th out of 35 teams. Freshman Elena Torres had an impressive year, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors twice.

WOMEN’S TOP RUNNERS
Miriam Sandeen was the leading runner for Iowa in the 2024 regular season. The senior from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was Iowa’s top finisher in the Hawkeye Invite, Big Ten Preview, Bradley Pink Classic, B1G Championships and NCAA Midwest Regionals. Freshman Elena Torres finished as Iowa’s top runner at the Gans Creek Classic. Senior Amber Aesoph and junior Rowan Boulter combined to score for all of Iowa’s 2024 regular season races.

MEN’S TOP RUNNERS
Juniors Will Ryan, Miles Sheppard, Brayden Burnett, and Carson Houg were Iowa’s consistent point scorers this season. Ryan was named to the Big Ten’s Preseason Watch List. Sophomore Miles Wilson has been a consistent top-five runner for Iowa in every meet for the 2024 season.

HAWKEYE NEWCOMERS
Iowa’s freshman class made a significant impact this season. On the women’s side, Elena Torres was recognized twice as Big Ten Freshman of the Week, earning the honor for her performances at the Big Ten Preview and Gans Creek Classic. She was also named Iowa’s September Woman Athlete of the Month. Additionally, Marissa Long and Hillary Trainor have consistently placed among Iowa’s top five runners in the team’s first two races. The men’s team also saw strong performances from its freshmen. Kyle Montgomery and Ethan Eichhorn were key contributors, finishing among Iowa’s top five at multiple meets. Montgomery excelled at the Hawkeye Invite, Gans Creek Classic, and Bradley Pink Classic, while Eichhorn secured top-five finishes at the Hawkeye Invite, Big Ten Preview, and Bradley Pink Classic.

LOCAL FOCUS
Of the 31 athletes on the Hawkeyes’ cross country team, 23 hail from the state of Iowa. Ian Geisler, Cameron Kalaway and Audra Soderlind come to the Hawkeye State from Illinois. Two Hawkeyes – Marissa Long and Miriam Sandeen – are Minnesota natives. Armaan Chopra (Virginia), Kyle Montgomery (Indiana) and Elena Torres (Colorado) represent their respective states in 2024.

FAST START
The University of Iowa cross country team kicked off its 2024 season at the Hawkeye Invite at the Ashton Cross Country Course. The women took second with 39 points in the 4,000-meter race and the men got third with 79 points in the 6,000-meter race. The women finished the evening with three top-10 finishes. Senior Miriam Sandeen and junior Rowan Boutler both set personal records at 14:20.4 and 14:41.5, respectively.

LINK UP WITH THE HAWKEYES
For an inside look at the Iowa cross country program and to access exclusive coverage, “like” The University of Iowa Cross Country and Track & Field Facebook page and follow the Hawkeyes on X (@IowaXC_TF) and Instagram (@iowaxctf). Follow live results at hawkeyesports.com/tracklive.

UP NEXT
Iowa’s cross country season has concluded. The Hawkeyes begin their indoor track and field season on Dec. 14 with the Jimmy Grant Invitational and Multi. Iowa will host four meets in the 2024-25 indoor season.