Augustana Vikings Men’s Cross Country team has started the 2019 season off on a high note. As a team they have placed in the upper tier in their first few meets with their last meet at Wisconsin- Oshkosh placing overall 14 out of 34. 
“This all goes to support the mileage and hard work that the guys are putting in,” said Head Coach Jake Shaver. “and leads to a good culture and in turn positive outcomes on race day.”
A couple of runners have stood out in particular this season including top runner, Junior Josh Teets and following close behind, Juniors Tate Henrikson and Carl Schoenfield.
“We have a number of guys who are taking big steps forward this year,” said Shaver. “But what stands out to me is the overall improvement this group is making this season as a whole.”
Teets has been the top finisher for the Augustana Vikings in every single meet and he is helping set the standard for future Augustana runners.  
“I’d say that my personal success has come from a large amount of mental focus that is required to stay competitive over 5 miles.” says Teets. “Those middle miles are a lot easier when you can tell yourself you’ll have the strength to finish strong.”
Augie XC has their own way of staying motivated and pushing each other to do their best. “[we] have a great history as one of the strongest team cultures in the sport. We are rowdy and passionate about performing well … Every day we lace up with the desire to be better as students, athletes, and friends. That’s how we motivate one another.” says Teets.
According to Teets, the success of Augustana’s Cross Country team lies within the context of real life. They compete and live by mantras such as “The journey is the goal” and “inspiration is contagious” which apply to their lives both on and off the running course. Cross Country isn’t just a sport but it is also a lifestyle.
“They make good choices in these small ways, and in more obvious ways like good nutrition, sleeping habits, little things that promote recovery, holding one another accountable.” said Shaver.
They team this year is showing fantastic compared to the past couple of years. “We’ve put in a lot of good work and have had some of the best team performances I’ve seen since coming to Augie,” said Teets. “ The Midwest regional is the best in the country so performing well there would be a testament to the work we’ve put in this year.”
“I’m still enjoying what we’re doing this year. There are always things that we can improve upon but we’re already laying the groundwork for that.” said Shaver
Coming up next in the season they have the CCIW championship meet being held at Augustana’s home course. It is at Saukie Golf Course on November 2nd at 12 pm.