SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Valley City State Cross-Country team competed at the Augustana Invitational in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was the second meet of the season for the Vikings.

On the Women's side, Frida Barrera continues to add to an already impressive list of accomplishments in her second season running Cross Country at Valley City State. The Sophomore turned in a time of 21:20.7, breaking the school record for a 6K. The former mark was 22.27.8 and was set in 2024 by Karly Just. Billie Maye Pohlkamp and Jaedyn Lura set personal best. Paiton Flick ran a season best time.

"There are few words to describe Frida's performance today!" Coach Greg Keeler said. "Not only did she place 15th overall, but she shattered the school 6000m cross country record. I was so impressed by her performance; she ran with confidence and poise. Billie Maye also had a great day, taking almost two minutes off her previous best mark. The women are running really strong right now as a team, and I am excited for the second half of the season."

There were 23 teams and 263 runners from NCAA II and the NAIA.

For the Men, Kole Albers led the way for the Vikings with a personal best. Zach Baumgartner, Noah Hamilton-Dixon, Preston Miller, and Steven Salberg, all had personal bests. Tate Minnihan had a season best time.
As a team, the Vikings placed 16^th, and there were 293 runners in the Men's race.

"The men exceeded my expectations," Coach Keeler said. "They stuck to their running plan, and it paid off. I was so impressed with Kole and Zach today; they both had significant PRs today. Noah Hamilton-Dixon is having a great start to his college career."

NEXT UP: The Vikings will be competing in the Jimmie Invite on Friday, October 2^nd. The Women start at 5:15 p.m., the Men go at 6:00 p.m. The race will be held at the Parkhurst Recreation Area in Jamestown.