The University of Northern Colorado cross country teams are building for the future this fall, leaning on new leadership and a young roster to set the pace.
The Bears welcomed assistant coach Maranda Donahue after former associate head coach Stormie Sickler transitioned into a compliance role at UNC. Head coach Wayne Angel still leads most cross country training, but Donahue is expected to take on more responsibility once the season shifts toward track.
This year’s roster also features a wave of freshmen replacing the large group of upperclassmen who graduated last season. Junior runner Noah Osmond said the shift has reshaped the team’s culture.
“The dynamic hit a huge shift when we all came back to practice,” Osmond said. “Me and the older guys have had to step up to show freshmen the ropes.”
Last fall, the women’s team placed 7th at the Big Sky Championships, highlighted by senior Regina Mpigachai becoming the first UNC runner to qualify for the NCAA Division I Cross Country National Championships. The men’s team finished 10th but has its sights set higher.
“As a team, we’re aiming for a top eight finish at the conference meet,” Osmond said. “Our ultimate goal is to place top six to qualify for regionals.”
The Bears opened the season at the Wyoming Invitational two weeks ago, giving many freshmen their first taste of college-level competition. Osmond said the grit shown by the younger runners was promising despite the challenges of the meet.
The most defining moment so far, however, happened off the course. After arriving late to a team bonding event, the men’s team was disciplined by losing one of its travel meets.
“Getting that punishment from Coach Angel reinforced the discipline we need to have outside of practice,” Osmond said. “We’re definitely not making the same mistake again.”
Above all, the Bears prioritize team culture and connection. A preseason training camp in Estes Park over the summer featured tough workouts, cold river plunges and plenty of team bonding. Osmond said that chemistry is what drives the team.
“The team is really close, and that’s what captures what we’re about,” Osmond said. “We work hard and enjoy it together.”
The Bears travel to Nebraska this weekend for the Woody Greeno Dirksen Invitational. The women will then compete at the Louisville Classic on October 4, while the men head to University of Colorado Colorado Springs on October 10.
In a preseason interview, Angel said the cross country schedule was carefully crafted to fit the needs of the team.
“We’ve put together a challenging and strategic schedule that will test our young team while preparing them for peak performance at the Big Sky Championships and beyond,” Angel said.
With new leadership, lessons learned early and a determined young roster, the UNC cross country team sets out to build through the 2025 season. The finish line may still be months away but the foundation of the program is being laid for many years to come.
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