Sacramento, Calif. – The Adams State Grizzlies cross country teams are heading to rainy Sacramento, California, for the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships tomorrow, ready to extend their legacy of dominance on the trails.
"We're excited to be peaking at just the right time," said head coach Damon Martin. "In our sport, we're judged most by how we perform at the end of the year, so it's great to see everything coming together now."
After commanding performances at the RMAC and South Central Regional Championships, the Grizzlies are poised to make a strong statement on the national stage. On the men's side, Romain Legendre is a top contender for the 10,000-meter national title. With the 57th-fastest time in the nation, just over a minute behind the leader, Legendre carries the momentum of wins at both RMAC and the South Central Regional meets.
On the women's side, Ava O'Connor and Tristan Spence lead the charge, entering nationals with the fastest and fourth-fastest times in the nation over 6,000 meters. O'Connor claimed the RMAC crown and placed fourth at regionals, while Spence flipped the script, securing the regional title after a fourth-place finish at RMACs. Their performances set the stage for a thrilling battle at nationals.
"I think both teams are in a great place," said Martin. "Our women have a strong group of veterans who bring invaluable experience from competing at national championships and other high-pressure meets. On the men's side, we have a good mix of seasoned runners with championship experience and young athletes stepping onto this stage for the first time. We're peaking at the right time, and we're ready to build on that momentum."
Team rankings bolster the Grizzlies' confidence heading into nationals. The men are ranked fourth nationally by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) and third by FloTrack. Meanwhile, the women hold the top spot in both polls and are determined to reclaim the national title after finishing second to Grand Valley State last year.
"With our storied history, we're mindful of balancing those expectations with our focus on where we are right now," said Martin. "We're ready to step onto the big stage and give it our all."
Backed by a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the Grizzlies head into the national meet with confidence and momentum. All eyes will be on Sacramento as Adams State looks to reaffirm its place among the elite programs in Division II. Racing begins at 11:00 a.m. MT with the Men's 10k going first with the women to follow at 12:15 p.m. MT
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