WashU’s men’s cross country team and women’s cross country team kicked off the first UAA conference championships of the fall, building anticipation for further postseason competition.

This weekend, WashU focused on racing nationally-ranked competitor Wartburg in a more intimate, nearly one-on-one setting.

First Distance Carnival held by WashU since the beginning of the pandemic.

The No. 14 WashU men finished behind only No. 1 Wartburg College and upset rival No. 9 North Central College, in their best team performance of the year, while the No. 4 women came in second to No. 3 Wartburg and ahead of No. 7 University of Chicago.

In the days leading up to the championship, Student Life interviewed graduate student Kiera Olson, who has been one of several key scorers for the Bears this fall.