Geneva, IL - The Highland Community College Cross Country team made history this past weekend as every Cougar who competed qualified for the NJCAA Division II National Championships. The Cougars earned their national berths at the NJCAA Region IV Championship, held at the Northwestern Medicine Cross Country Course in Geneva, Illinois.
The 2025 National Meet will take place on November 8 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, hosted by Iowa Central Community College.
This marks the third consecutive season that Highland has advanced runners to the National Championship, but this year's group of six national qualifiers sets a new program record, surpassing the previous mark of three from the 2023 season.
On the women's side, Meanna Luy led the Cougars with an outstanding performance, finishing 7th overall with a time of 22:07.37. Her effort was followed by Laney Holland, who crossed the line in 14th place with a time of 24:43.63, securing her first national qualification. Together, Luy and Holland powered Highland's women's team to one of its strongest showings in recent years.
The men's squad also impressed, led by Sebastian Pantich, who placed 19th overall with a time of 33:03.14. Reid Pierson followed in 22nd place, running 34:12.73, while Brayden Jackson finished 26th with a time of 35:50.77. Ivan Wenger rounded out the Cougar qualifiers, placing 31st with a time of 36:53.26. The group's collective effort capped off a historic day for the program.
The Cougars will now turn their focus to the NJCAA Division II National Championships in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where they'll represent Highland Community College among the nation's best.
Highland National Qualifiers:
