The University of Minnesota Crookston men’s cross country team was picked to finish 12th in the NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll released Thursday, August 15; the Golden Eagles were also picked 12th during the 2023 season.
“Each year since the program started in 2019, our team’s 8k average time has decreased,” said Head Coach Steven Krouse. “This year the trend should continue as we are returning our top six runners from last year’s team and added three talented newcomers. Our two seniors, Tristan Morneault and Colton Uber, have great leadership qualities and have helped build this program from the ground up. I can’t wait to see what the team will be able to accomplish this season!”
The Golden Eagles have also continued to show marked improvement each season. Minnesota Crookston posted their second-best time at regionals in 2023, and they notched a program-record finish at the NSIC Championships. Connor Thoennes (Jr., Coleraine) leads the way for the Golden Eagles after leading the Golden Eagles at the NSIC Championships with a time of 26:28.10. The Golden Eagles also return seniors Tristan Morneault (Dieppe, New Brunswick), and Colton Uber (Brunswick, Ohio). Also returning are Zach Hanson (So., Farmington), Riley Hanson (So., Farmington), Lane Hoefs (So., Wadena), and Taylor Johnson (So., Lake Park). Noah Revels (So., Farmington) returns after sitting out last season, while the Golden Eagles add newcomers Chase Werner (Fr., Marshall), and Robert Ingle (So., Laura, Ohio).
“Connor emerged as the frontrunner of our men’s cross country team and was our top finisher in every race last year as a sophomore,” Krouse stated. “On the course, Connor had a breakout season and improved his 8k personal best by 1:30. Following another spring and summer of hard work, I am looking forward to seeing what Connor is able to accomplish as a junior!”
Augustana University was selected to finish first in the conference with 11 first-place votes. Augustana’s Ryan Hartman was named the Preseason Athlete of the Year.
The Golden Eagles commence the 2024 season on Friday, September 6, at the Augustana Twilight.
