Jacks Get Another Tune-up at SDSU Classic

The Jackrabbits cross country program returns home to Edgebrook Golf Course in Brookings Friday for the 13th SDSU Classic.

The meet features Summit League rivals North Dakota State and North Dakota and is set to go off with the women's 5K race at 6:00, followed by the Jay Dirksen men's 8K race at 6:35. Following the men's race will be a 1K kids fun run.

Last time out, the men's team took first place honors when Micah Mather (1), Ben Olson (2), Gabe Peters (4), Tom Breuckman (5), Joseph Minor-Williams (7) and Lukas Nelson (8) claimed six of the top ten finishes at the Bison Open (8/30) in Fargo.

On the women's side, Anna Donnay (3) and Ellie Friesen (8) paced the Jacks, while freshman duo Bridget Henne (17) and Leah Hansen (21) made their collegiate debuts, finishing as the top freshmen in the meet.

"We learned a lot about the younger group," said head coach Rod DeHaven on his freshmen's performances at the Bison Open. "Their competitiveness and their willingness to probably hurt (was shown) we'll see more of that as the distances get longer."

Just like Fargo, Friday's meet will give the Jacks another look at conference opponents and an idea of what they may later in the season— especially the conditions.

Heavy rains found their way to the Brooking's area earlier this week with more expected in the forecast prior to Friday's race.

With that much rain, conditions at Edgebrook Golf Course will be muddy, but once again, Friday's meet will be an opportunity for the Jackrabbits to see what late-season running may look like.

With frozen ground, mud and snow all fair game at the Summit League Championship meet in Fargo on Nov. 2, Friday's meet will give the Jacks a look at the unfavorable conditions they're likely to come across again.

"You know, November in this part of the world can change the footing dramatically," said DeHaven.

DeHaven said he and other collegiate cross country coaches use the early-season as an opportunity to develop runner more while improving their fitness. Something the shorter courses and competition they've faced so far provide.

Looking forward, the Jacks will roll out the majority of their squads on Friday, getting one last look before really diving into the season with meets like the Roy Griak Invitational hosted by University of Minnesota on Sept. 28 and the Pre-National Invitational in Terre Haute, I.N. on Oct. 19.

"As things go forward, obviously intensity does as well with pretty much with every meet left on our schedule.," said DeHaven.

-GoJacks.com-

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Players Mentioned

Anna Donnay

Ellie Friesen

Bridget Henne

Leah Hisken

Micah Mather

Joseph Minor-Williams

Lukas Nelson

Ben Olson

Gabe Peters

Completed Event: Men's Cross Country versus NCAA Championship on November 22, 2025 , , No Team Score

Completed Event: Men's Cross Country versus NCAA Midwest Regionals on November 14, 2025 , , 10th of 30 -- 252

Completed Event: Men's Cross Country at Summit League Championship on November 1, 2025 , , 1st of 7 -- 38

Completed Event: Men's Cross Country at Mount Marty Invite on October 23, 2025 , , 4th of 5 -- 94

Completed Event: Men's Cross Country at Platte River Rumble on October 17, 2025 , , 2nd of 8 -- 65

Completed Event: Men's Cross Country at Pre-Nationals on October 17, 2025 , , 17th of 32 -- 392

South Dakota State University Athletics