The Nebraska Wesleyan University cross country teams had a successful trip out west as both the men and women competed very well at the Charles Bowles Invitational hosted by Williamatte University in Salem, Ore., on Saturday (Oct. 3). The Prairie Wolves men finished fifth as a team in the 8k Cardinal race, while the women were eighth in the 5k Cardinal race.

The NWU men were second among NCAA Division III schools as the other three teams to defeat the Prairie Wolves were NCAA Division I schools. The host school Williamette placed third overall to lead DIII schools with 113 points while NWU had 170.

A total of 19 teams and 198 competitors ran in the men's race.

Logan Watley led the NUW men with a top 25 finish as he crossed the line in 18th place in 24:51.41. Brian Copley also was in the top 25 as he placed 23rd with a time of 24:57.15. Neil Wolford just missed the top 25 finishing 27th with a time of 25:02.73.

For the NWU women, who were eighth out of 19 teams, they also had two individuals place in the top 25.

All-American Jackie Spelts had an outstanding race as she placed eighth individually and finished the 5k race in a time of 17:59.22. She was second among all NCAA III competitors.

Also finishing in the top 25 for the Prairie Wolves was Hayley Sutter as she crossed the finish line in 18:12.49 to place 16th.