JOPLIN, MO. – The University of Northwestern cross country teams each had an individual qualify for the NCCAA National Championships, which took place Saturday morning.  Ava DeShazer (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie) and Cameron Larson (Long Prairie, Minn./Long Prairie-Grey Eagle) competed against multiple different teams and individuals at Joplin Sports Authority.

The men's 8k race took place at 10:00 am where Larson was able to record one of his top 3 career 8k times, coming in at 28:52 (23rd place). This ends his junior year with the cross country team.

The women's 5k race began and Ava DeShazer (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie) started off strong and was among the top five at the mile mark. DeShazer stayed within the top 20 all race, finishing easy with a career best 5k race time of 20:31 in 15th place.

Head Coach Steve Thiessen had many good words to say about these two individuals adding, "I am really proud of these two, their work ethic, determination and growth as racers, but more importantly as team leaders and followers of Christ. That combination and never quit effort helped them achieve qualifying race times to be at today's national championship! They brought it today and gave an outstanding effort in today's championship!"

The men's and women's cross country teams finish the 2020 season strong, amidst all the challenges.

For all things cross country follow them on www.unweagles.com or on twitter and Instagram at @unwcctf.