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Women's XC Finishes As National Runner Up
Posted: Nov 12, 2025

Women's XC Finishes As National Runner Up

The MAC women's cross country team capped an outstanding season with a national runner-up finish at the 2025 NJCAA Division III Cross Country Championships, held Saturday morning at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

The Cardinals posted a team score of 69 points with a total time of 1:52:22, earning second place behind the College of DuPage, which captured the national title with 56 points (1:51:22). Joliet Junior College rounded out the podium with 78 points.

Balanced Team Effort Leads the Cardinals

Freshman Clay Whittenburg led the way for Mineral Area, finishing 5th overall in the women's 5K race with a time of 21:00.3. Whittenburg maintained a strong pace from start to finish, holding her own against a competitive national field.

Right behind her was fellow freshman Emily Marriott, who placed 7th in 21:20.4, securing two top-10 finishes for the Cardinals and setting the tone for the team's overall success.

Sophomore Alyson Skiles added key points with a 12th-place finish in 22:27.8, while freshman Sara Akins came through in 17th at 22:49.2. Freshman McKensie Collins closed out the team scoring in 31st place, clocking 24:45.3 to help solidify Mineral Area's hold on second place.

Freshman Brianna Despain (55th, 28:35.3) also competed for the Cardinals, contributing to the team's depth in the national field.

Team Standings – NJCAA Division III Women's 5K

  1. College of DuPage – 56 pts (1:51:22)
  2. Mineral Area College – 69 pts (1:52:22)
  3. Joliet Junior College – 78 pts (1:54:12)
  4. Kellogg Community College – 108 pts (1:58:02)
  5. Jefferson College – 127 pts (2:01:03)

Top Mineral Area College Finishers