One of the best winning programs in NCAA history, the NCC men’s cross-country team looks to continue those ways this season. The team is made up of a crusade of returners with the addition of many newcomers. They are looking more poised than ever to win their 20th national title.
Business as usual
Last year, the cross-country team continued their dominance of the CCIW by winning their 49th consecutive conference title, one of the longest active winning streaks in college sports. The team would also win the NCAA Division III Midwest Region Championship. Additionally, placing third at the NCAA Division III National Championship with only 11 points separating them from first place. All this success would be under the guidance of coach Matt Sinnott who, in the wake of the retirement of Al Carius, the architect of the program, has led the program to further success. Going into this year, there’s no doubt that the Cardinals will be favorites to win the conference again.
The cast of Cardinals
The Cardinals have no shortage of firepower when it comes to their athletes, all starting with their main cast. Senior runners Emerald Svienty, ‘25 and Matt Jett, ‘25 have experienced running in some of the biggest races in all of Division III Cross Country. They will look to end their careers on a high note.
“The cool thing about the streak is the way that it represents the tremendous history and culture that our program has,” Jett said talking about the streak of conference titles the team has won, “and the current team definitely derives a lot of confidence from knowing that we’re part of a long line of successful teams in this program.”
But it’s not just the seniors, sophomore BJ Sorg, ‘27 and junior Aidan Armstrong, ‘26 are also looking to improve upon their already impressive numbers. Following them are 53 other runners looking to make their mark on the squad. Depth is crucial to a winning program, and the Cardinals have proved exactly why it is so important.
The season so far
The 2024 campaign started off strong as the team finished first in the North Park Invitational. Three Cardinals finished in the top six to propel the team to the win.
“As a group, we collectively had probably the best summer of training leading into this season that we’ve ever had,” Jett said about the work the team had to put in to continue the success they’ve had. “It’s definitely shown in the results so far this season.”
The next race would feature all freshman. This showed no slowing down for the Cardinals as the team finished third. Hence, the aforementioned depth of this squad. So far, the Cardinals haven’t finished lower than third in the five races they’ve participated in. Three runners have already been awarded CCIW Student-Athlete of the Week with Armstrong, Sorg and Svienty all coming home with the prize. If this recent success continues, the Cardinals could very well be favorites for the national championship.
