Raiders Prepare for GPAC Women's Cross Country Championships

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The 2026 GPAC Women's Cross Country Championships are set to take place on Saturday, November 7, at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. The women's race will commence at 11:30 a.m. and will feature a competitive lineup of 12 teams from across the conference. Among them, the Northwestern Red Raiders will be competing, aiming to improve on their sixth-place finish in last year's championships.

Highlighting Northwestern's squad are standout athletes Emily DeGroot and Kayden Spencer. DeGroot has been a force this season, setting a program record in the 6K with a time of 21:29.3 at the Augustana Invite. Her impressive performances include three top-15 finishes this season, and she secured a 15th-place finish at the 2025 GPAC Championships. Spencer has also been at the top of the lineup, achieving a personal record of 22:39.5 in the 6K at the same Augustana Invite. She notably placed 10th at the Dordt Classic on October 10 and finished 19th in last year's conference race.

The championships will be broadcast live on the GPAC Network, providing an opportunity for those unable to attend in person. Additionally, live results will be available through Black Squirrel Timing.

THE LINEUP (with season bests)
Emily DeGroot – 21:29.3 (Augustana Invite)
Kayden Spencer – 22:39.5 (Augustana Invite)
Allie Hough – 23:25.2 (Augustana Invite)
Brooklyn Fryar – 23:45.4 (Augustana Invite)
Iris Melody – 23:54.8 (Augustana Invite)
Kiera Rogers – 23:58.4 (Augustana Invite)
Teagan Tracy – 24:04.2 (Augustana Invite)
Mya Romero – 24:17.5 (Augustana Invite)
Brielle Van Sickle – 24:25.5 (Augustana Invite)
Maci Schmalbeck – 25:03.2 (Augustana Invite)
Lily Hughes (Alternate) – 25:09.7 (Augustana Invite)
Karina Johnson (Alternate) – 24:57.3 (Augustana Invite)

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

Emily DeGroot: 5' 5"; Senior

Brielle Van Sickle: 5' 7"; Senior

Brooklyn Fryar: 5' 7"; Junior

Allie Hough: 5' 6"; Senior

Lily Hughes: 5' 6"; Junior

Karina Johnson: 5' 4"; Senior

Kiera Rogers: 5' 9"; Junior

Mya Romero: 5' 8"; Sophomore

Kayden Spencer: 5' 6"; Senior

Maci Schmalbeck: 5' 7"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Emily DeGroot
: 5' 5"; Senior

Brielle Van Sickle
: 5' 7"; Senior

Brooklyn Fryar
: 5' 7"; Junior

Allie Hough
: 5' 6"; Senior

Lily Hughes
: 5' 6"; Junior

Karina Johnson
: 5' 4"; Senior

Kiera Rogers
: 5' 9"; Junior

Mya Romero
: 5' 8"; Sophomore

Kayden Spencer
: 5' 6"; Senior

Maci Schmalbeck
: 5' 7"; Sophomore