Spearfish, SD - The Black Hills State University cross country teams are heading down to Canyon, TX for the NCAA D2 South Central Regional Championships. Hosted by West Texas A&M, the women's six kilometer race will get underway at 9:30 a.m. central time and the men's eight kilometer race is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. central time. Both teams will be looking to return to the national championships after each squad finished sixth last year earning a bid.
 
Qualification rules are complicated but a top three team finish or a top five individual finish will guarantee a spot at the national championships. The top two individuals not on a qualifying team will also be given a spot, regardless of where they finish. After that, ten at large teams from across the country and 8 at large individuals while be selected on criteria.
 
The south central region is arguably the toughest region in all of NCAA cross country. The following schools are all ranked in the country: CO School of Mines (1), Adams State (3), Western CO (5), West Texas A&M (13), UCCS (17), and CCU (23). Five of those ranked schools are all RMAC foes.
 
A year ago, Jake Iverson finished in 33^rd just eight spots out of all-region. Jordan Theisen also returns, having finished 41^st. Rounding out the returners is Keith Osowski, who also recorded a top fifty finish.
 
The women's race is a similar story, this time, it's all RMAC schools ranked nationally in the region: Adams State (1), CO Mines (3), Western CO (6), and UCCS (12).
 
A year ago, Nicole Allerdings finished all-region in 19^th. Abbie Fredrick also returns having placed 41^st last year and Xiomara Robinson who placed 59^th.
 
Should either team or individual qualify or earn a bid, the national championships will be held on November 23^rd at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, CA.