The University of Minnesota Crookston men’s and women’s cross country programs signed the biggest classes in program history, as they look to continue their upward trajectory as a program since launching the sport in 2019. The Golden Eagles have signed 11 newcomers for the men’s and women’s cross country teams. The men’s cross country team adds Bennett Allred (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Prairie H.S.), Kohen Holcomb (Marshall/Marshall H.S.), Aaden Nauman (Windom/University of Sioux Falls), Brayden Paulsen (Little Falls/Little Falls H.S.), and Jonathan Roth (Sioux Falls, S.D./West Central H.S.). The women’s cross country team brings in Abby Borgerding (Northfield/Northfield H.S.), Amber Collins (Deer Creek/Wadena-Deer Creek H.S.), Rivyn DiPadova (Soldiers Grove, Wis./Viroqua H.S.), Annelise Offerdahl (Circle Pines/Centennial H.S.), Morgan Shaw (Redmond, Ore./Willamette University), and Natalie Wood (Big Timber, Mont./Montana State University).
“Last year both teams set a school record for fastest team average and placement at the NSIC Championship,” said Head Coach Steven Krouse. “This year the trend should continue as we have a hard working group of returners and eleven incomers who should have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. Chancellor Holz-Clause and Director of Athletics Helgeson have stated that adding an official track and field program for the 2026-27 academic year is a top priority for the University and I wanted to increase the roster size so that we can be competitive right away. I am very excited for this incoming class as it includes eight talented freshmen and three transfers who in addition to their talent, bring a wealth of NCAA experience. Our first race is less than a month away and I can’t wait to watch this team compete and reach new heights this season!”
Bennett Allred (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Prairie H.S.)
Allred was a three-time state qualifier at Cedar Rapids Prairie High School. He was a two-time All-Mississippi Valley Conference selection, and earned Second Team All-State honors in 4A as a senior. He is a two-time State qualifier, and was named to the Elite Team for all classes in 2024.
Kohen Holcomb (Marshall/Marshall H.S.)
Holcomb helped lead Marshall High School to a State Championship in 2024, and a third-place finish in 2023. He earned All-Big South Conference accolades in 2024. Holcomb also guided Marshall to Conference Championships in 2023 and 2024.
Aaden Nauman (Windom/University of Sioux Falls)
Nauman competed as a freshman for the University of Sioux Falls. He finished the NSIC Championship in 67th place with a time of 26:01.8, which was a personal record in the 8K for Nauman. He was a three-time All-Conference selection at Windom High School, and earned All-State accolades in cross country in 2023.
Brayden Paulsen (Little Falls/Little Falls H.S.)
Paulsen notched a personal record of 17:57.9 in the 5000 meters at the Little Falls Lucky Lindy as a senior. He tallied a record as a junior in the 5000 meters of 18:05.3, showing great improvement his senior year. In track, he notched a personal record in the 3200 of 10:45.14. Paulsen earned All-Conference Honorable Mention accolades.
Jonathan Roth (Sioux Falls, S.D./West Central H.S.)
Roth earned Second Team All-Conference accolades. He placed 10th in Class A as an individual in South Dakota. Roth is a two-time Trojan Award winner for his character, and is an Academic All-State pick. Roth had a 4.1 GPA, and is a member of the National Honors Society.
Abby Borgerding (Northfield/Northfield H.S.)
Borgerding helped her high school squad to a Section Title and a State Tournament appearance in 2023. She served as the cross country captain for Northfield High School. Borgerding notched a personal record of 20:58. She was a member of the cross country team for six seasons.
Amber Collins (Deer Creek/Wadena-Deer Creek H.S.)
Collins was named All-Conference from 2019-24 at Wadena-Deer Creek High School. She was a State Tournament participant from 2020-24. Collins finished 47th at the Class A State Tournament as a senior, for her best-ever finish. She clocked in at 19:37 in the 5000 meters.
Rivyn DiPadova (Soldiers Grove, Wis./Viroqua H.S.)
DiPadova was an individual State Tournament qualifier in 2023. She was a two-time Coulee Conference First team selection in 2023 and 2024. DiPadova earned All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2022. She has a personal record of 19:56 in the 5000 meters, the third-fastest time in school history.
Annelise Offerdahl (Circle Pines/Centennial H.S.)
Offerdahl made the State Tournament as a runner in 2023 for Centennial High School. She was a 2022 State Tournament alternate. She earned All-Northwest Suburban Conference honors in 2022 and 2023. Offerdahl was a cross country captain in 2024.
Morgan Shaw (Redmond, Ore./Willamette University)
Shaw was a First Team All-Northwest Conference pick for Willamette University in 2024. She finished seventh at the Northwest Conference Championships in 2024. Shaw won the 1,500 meters for Willamette track and field at the Linfield Open in 2024. She was the top finisher for Willamette at the NCAA West Regional, finishing the 6000 meters in 22:48.2.
Natalie Wood (Big Timber, Mont./Montana State University)
Wood spent two seasons at Montana State University, redshirting one. She had a personal best of 22:27 in the 6000 meters. Wood notched a personal best of 19:03 in the 5000 meters. She is her high school record holder in the 1600, 3200, and 5000. Wood was the Montana State Track Champion in the 1600 and 3200, and was State runner-up in cross country twice. She is a seven-time State Champion, and helped her high school to two State Championships in track and field.
