CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Missouri Baptist University cross country teams turned in strong performances at the 2025 Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships on Saturday, with both squads finishing among the top programs in the league at Seminole Valley.

The Spartan women captured a third-place team finish with 100 points in the program's first Heart Championship. Freshman Isabella Aimonette led the way with a fifth-place finish in 21:54.2 seconds in the 6k, earning First Team All-Conference honors. Sophomore Julia Whorton followed in 14th at 22:16.5 to earn conference honorable mention, while senior Adrienne Rockette placed 21st with a time of 22:48.0. Rounding out the team scoring were senior Haley Hernandez, who finished 32nd in 23:15.1, and freshman Alyssa Collins, who placed 37th with a time of 23:24.2. Camrin Watkins (23:37.9) and Mattie Noyes (23:48.7) also contributed to Missouri Baptist's third-place result behind Benedictine (Kan.) and Mount Mercy.

On the men's side, Missouri Baptist earned a fourth-place finish with 108 points, placing behind Park, Mount Mercy, and Benedictine (Kan.) in the 8k championship race. Sophomore Clayton Schneider led the Spartans with a 17th-place finish in 25:16.8, followed by junior Grant Patten in 19th at 25:24.7. Sophomore Brandon Etheridge crossed in 21st with a time of 25:27.5, while sophomore Phillip Kackley finished 23rd in 25:30.6. Senior David Fletcher rounded out the scoring five in 28th at 25:43.2. Nick Fehr (25:45.5) and senior Ethan Bliss (26:09.5) provided depth as well.

Missouri Baptist now awaits potential NAIA National Championship selections. The NAIA Selection Show on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 4 p.m. The show will be posted on the NAIA's YouTube page.