Spearfish standout Peyton VanDeest capped her season on the national stage, finishing in the top 20 percent of the Nike Cross Country Nationals held Dec. 6 at Glendoveer Golf Course.
VanDeest placed 37th overall out of 198 runners in the Women’s Championship Race, clocking a time of 18:07.8 on the 5,000‑meter course.
South Dakota was well represented in the elite field. Harrisburg’s Brianna Reilly earned a top‑10 finish, placing ninth in 17:24.4.
Sioux Falls Christian competed as a full team and secured sixth place with 219 points. The Chargers were led by Ellie Maddox (54th, 18:26.8) and Sadie Pettengill (71st, 18:43.2). Additional SFC finishers included Jerica Glasser (76th, 18:46.0), Natalie Smith (107th, 19:12.7), Bailey VanderGriend (122nd, 19:27.8), Bryn Barker (181st, 20:49.1), and Maxine Ordway (185th, 21:01.9).
The individual national title went to Natasza Dudek of Ann Arbor, Mich., who crossed in 16:50.1. Wayzata High School of Plymouth, Minn., claimed the team championship with 142 points, followed by Niwot, Colo., with 147.
