Mankato, Minn – Minnesota State men's and women's cross-country begin their campaigns at the 15th annual Augustana Twilight on Friday at Yankton Trail Park. Last year the event attracted 90 high schools and 30 collegiate programs. All ten teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) were represented in one of the region's largest races in 2025.
At 9:15 p.m., the men's team will travel 11 runners to compete in the Men's four-mile race. In the 2026 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Mavericks were picked to finish third.
Sophomore Jack Kendall (Virginia, Minn.) was named MSU's Athlete to Watch for this season. Last year he placed 63rd at the Augustana Twilight, helping lead him to a 13th place finish at the NSIC Championships, en route to being named Second Team All-NSIC.
Fellow sophomore Luis Pfister (Ottobeuren, Germany) is another Maverick to keep your eye on. Pfister came on strong to start his collegiate career in 2025 when he placed 13th at the Augustana Twilight in his first collegiate meet. He competed in five meets for the Mavericks, leading him to being named First Team All-NSIC, and finishing in eighth place at the NSIC Championships.
Head Coach Ben Held (eighth season) brought in 11 freshmen for the upcoming season. The Mavericks placed third at the NSIC Championships in Wayne, Neb., and finished 15th at the NCAA Region Championships.
At 9:45 p.m., the women's team will send 21 runners to compete in the Women's 5k. The Mavericks, picked to finish second in the 2026 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, are returning 12 runners from last season.
Junior Mileena Sullivan (Hibbing, Minn.) is MSU's Athlete to Watch for the upcoming year. Last year at the Augustana Twilight she placed ninth as a sophomore; she competed in seven meets being named Second Team All-NSIC, culminating in a 15th place finish at the NSIC Championships.
Sophomore Tara Hertling (Hibbing, Minn.) will also look to build off her strong freshman campaign last year, which saw her be named Second Team All-NSIC, after competing in all seven races highlighted by placing 35th in her first collegiate race at the Augustana Twilight.
Head Coach Jen Blue (27th season) brought in 12 freshmen this season as the team aims to build off its second-place finish at the NSIC Championships in Wayne, Neb., and 19th place finish at the NCAA Championships.
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