The Bethel University men's and women's cross country teams begin their 2015 season at Augsburg College Saturday, Sept. 5th.  The 5,000-meter women's and men's races start at 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., respectively, at Riverside Park in Minneapolis. 

The men's team is led by returning All-American senior Matt Berens. Berens finished seventh at the 2013 NCAA national meet but was sidelined with an injury last season. For the second year, the women will be led by sophomore Annika Halverson. In 2014, Halverson earned All-Conference honors and qualified for the NCAA national meet during her freshman campaign.

The teams have had two weeks of practice since reporting for pre-season training camp on Aug. 24^th. New head coach Joe Stephens, stated "many athletes on both squads are continuing to impress me with their level of passion and work ethic in the sport."

The Royals add several highly-talented freshmen to a solid group of returners who recorded a successful 2015 outdoor track season. Evan Hatton highlights the men's freshman group, bringing great range to the team with high school bests of 1:54 in the 800-meters up to a 15:54 5,000-meters in cross country.

"Considering all these positive factors, we are very optimistic about the opportunity to improve on our men's conference finish," said coach Stephens, who comes to Bethel from his most recent stop at the University of Wyoming.

The women's team is strengthened by transfer Natalie Kessler, and two team captains, Halle Marr and Nikki Betzler.

"My expectation for the ladies team is to believe greatness is possible, and to train together with purpose towards a clear goal," coach Stephens said.

Each squad will compete in four meets before the MIAC Championships on October 31st, once again held at Como Park in St. Paul.