Ellingson places second, qualifies for nationals

WAVERLY - For the second year in a row, Catie Ellingson will compete at the NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships.

The senior from Indianola finished second at the Central Region Championships held Saturday at Wartburg's Max Cross Country Course. Ellingson crossed the finish line one second behind medalist Lori Tlach of Wartburg, running a 22:06.0 and earning all-region honors for the second-straight year. The Storm placed 18th of 27 teams with 468 points overall.

Luther won the meet with 68 points, followed by Wartburg with 111. Both teams qualified for nationals, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 in Waverly.

"We had great effort across the board today," head coach Brad Hofer said. "It was great to see Catie have a great meet leading into the national championships. I'm excited to see how high she can finish at nationals."

Ryan Edwardson placed 10th on the men's side, giving him an opportunity at making the field for the national championships. If he qualifies, it will be the first time a male and a female runner from Simpson compete in the national meet at the same time since 1989. Dave Halferty and Sarah Cross were the last to accomplish the feat.

Jade Osborne came in 76th (24:13.6), Annie Hills placed 117th (25:06.3), Erin Guzman finished 135th (25:32.3) and Ashley Drogo placed 138th (25:35.4). Jayde Boyle finished 145th (25:45.1) and Signe Mayland came in 148th, rounding out Simpson's finishers.