BISMARCK, N.D. – Frida Barrera earned a ninth-place finish as Valley City State cross country competed in gusting winds Friday, Oct. 23, at the Marauders Tune-Up at McDowell Dam.

Rain cleared before racing began, but strong winds persisted throughout the meet.

Barrera led the Viking women with a time of 22:41.3 against a field composed mostly of NCAA Division II runners.

"I thought Frida did a great job competing against a strong, mostly NCAA Division II field as well as the high winds," coach Greg Keeler said.

Billie Maye Pohlkamp finished 32nd in 25:32.7, showing continued progress from last season.

"Billie Maye improved her 2025 performance by almost 2:30, and I feel like today's performance is something she can build on," Keeler said.

Jaedyn Lura placed 40th in 28:04.8, followed by Paiton Flick in 42nd at 28:35.2. Katie Spatz rounded out the Viking women's results with a personal-best 28:44.8 to finish 44th.

For the men, Zach Baumgartner placed 20th with a time of 28:01.7.

"I thought Zach did a good job handling the high winds today," Keeler said.

Noah Hamilton-Dixon finished 36th in 29:29.0. Tate Minnihan placed 41st at 30:59.7, and Preston Miller finished 43rd in 34:37.2.

Up next
The Vikings compete at the Frontier Conference Championships on Friday, Nov. 6, at Amend Park in Billings, Mont.