Cardinals Claim Region 16 Title, Set Sights On Nationals In Iowa

PARK HILLS, Mo. — The Mineral Area College women's cross country team continued its stellar season by capturing the NJCAA Region 16 Championship title, led by freshman standout Clay Whittenburg, who blazed through the 5,000-meter course in 19 minutes, 50.52 seconds to earn the individual crown.

The Cardinals packed tightly near the front of the race, scoring an impressive 16 points to comfortably secure the regional championship ahead of Jefferson College and St. Charles Community College.

Behind Whittenburg, Mineral Area dominated the top spots. Freshman Emily Marriott placed third overall with a time of 20:27.74, and sophomore Alyson Skiles followed close behind in 21:06.19 for fifth place. Freshman Sara Akins ran a personal best of 21:54.37 to finish seventh, while freshman Mckensie Collins rounded out the team's scoring in tenth with a time of 25:13.09. Freshman Brianna Despain (28:29.65, 12th place) also turned in a personal-best performance.

The Region 16 victory secures MAC's berth at the NJCAA Division III National Championship, set for Saturday, November 9 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The meet will bring together the best two-year college programs from across the country, with the Cardinals looking repeat as National Champions.