The 2024 MIAA Cross Country Championships took place at the Griffon Cross Country Course in St. Joseph, Missouri, on October 26, 2024. It was a day of fierce competition between the best college runners. In both the men’s and women’s races, athletes from all over the Midwest showed off their stamina, strategy, and drive. This in-depth review covers the event’s highlights, top finishers, and team efforts that made it unforgettable.
2024 MIAA Cross Country Men’s Results (8K)
The men’s 8K race was a display of athletic brilliance, with a few efforts that stood out.
Top Individual Finishers:
- Grant Bradley (Senior, NW Missouri) – Time: 23:21.1
- Donald Kibet (Junior, Washburn) – Time: 23:27.3
- Nate Mueller (Junior, NW Missouri) – Time: 23:36.1
Grant Bradley won with a time of 23:21.1, which set the tone for NW Missouri’s great performance. His smart pacing and strong finish helped him win, beating competitors from other top schools.
Team Standings:
- NW Missouri – Total Time: 1:59:29 | Average Time: 23:53
- Pittsburg State – Total Time: 2:01:30 | Average Time: 24:18
- Nebraska-Kearney – Total Time: 2:02:24 | Average Time: 24:28
With two of the top three winners, NW Missouri’s depth made them unbeatable. They won first place with a big lead. The other two teams, Pittsburg State and Nebraska-Kearney, also completed the podium very well.
2024 MIAA Cross Country Women’s Results (6K)
The women’s 6K race showed how talented individuals can be and how close teams can be.
Top Individual Finishers:
- Emily Diercks (Junior, Fort Hays State) – Time: 21:30.9
- Marissa Dick (Senior, Pittsburg State) – Time: 21:34.8
- Kate Strader (Senior, Pittsburg State) – Time: 21:39.7
With a time of 21:30.9, Emily Diercks gave a great effort. She won because she could keep up with the others on difficult ground. Marissa Dick and Kate Strader of Pittsburg State showed how well they trained and how competitive they were by running close times.
Team Standings:
- Fort Hays State – Total Time: 1:54:15
- Pittsburg State – (Exact total time not specified)
The team title went to Fort Hays State because their runners ran well. The runners from Pittsburg State worked hard, but they had to settle for second place in the end.
2024 MIAA Cross Country Championships Results
2024 MIAA Boys Cross Country Championships
On November 18, high school cross country was the main event, with tough action in all three divisions.
Division I Results:
- Individual Champion: Jack Graffeo (Westford Academy) – Time: 15:17.08
- Team Champion: Brookline High School – Score: 62 points
Brookline High School’s all-around teamwork won the Division I title. Jack Graffeo’s lightning-fast 15:17.08 finish showed that he was a top athlete.
Division II Results:
- Individual Champion: Silas Gartner (Falmouth High School) – Time: 15:42.6
- Team Champion: Longmeadow High School – Score: 101 points
Silas Gartner won the individual title with a smart race plan. Longmeadow High School won as a team, and everyone performed well.
Division III Results:
- Individual Champion: Everett Pacheco (Monument Mountain Regional) – Time: 16:09.09
- Team Champion: Parker Charter Essentials School – Score: 52 points
Everett Pacheco won the Division III title because he didn’t give up. Parker Charter Essentials School, on the other hand, had the lowest score of the day and won the team competition.
Analysis and Insights TPR
TPR monitored the 2024 MIAA Cross Country Championships and provided data-driven updates throughout the season. The scores showed how strong, consistent, and able each team was to handle stress.
Key Takeaways from TPR:
- NW Missouri’s Dominance: Their convincing win in the men’s division confirmed their position at the top of the Power Rankings. Their well-rounded lineup was shown by the fact that they had two of the top three individual wins.
- Fort Hays State’s Success: They proved they were well-prepared and versatile by winning the women’s event. Which backed up TPR’s prediction that they would be a top contender.
- Individual Brilliance: Cross-country runners like Grant Bradley, Emily Diercks, and Jack Graffeo cemented their reputations as the best in the world.
Looking Ahead Future Prospects
After the 2024 MIAA Cross Country Championships, future races will have to live up to them. The 2025 season should be even more exciting, with young athletes with many potential and known stars still shining.
Fans can stay current on the latest research and rankings thanks to TPR, which tracks how each team and player is doing. Whether you’re interested in high school or college cross-country. TPR is still the best place to get the latest news on professional running.
Stay tuned for more exciting cross-country action as teams prepare for another season of tough competition and new records.
