NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The Bethel University men's cross country team notched a 14th place finish among 31 teams at the NCAA Regional Championship hosted by Carleton Saturday afternoon. It was the Royals' best finish at the regional championship since 2018 when they finished 13th.
 
Freshman Hootie Hage led the pack placing 50th in a season-best time of 25:33.10. Grant Graber was just behind him crossing the line in 26:08.40 for a 76th place finish.
 
Sophomore Victor Lelinga finish 120th in his first career NCAA regional run finishing in a time of 27:14.60. Sophomore Eli Berg also running in his first career regional crossed the line in 27:18.20 finishing 122nd.
 
Rounding out Bethel's runners that counted towards the team score was senior Jonah Kalsnes who had his best career finish at the regional placing 133rd in a time of 27:33.3.
 
Also running for the Royals were senior Gabriel Kuecker (139th, 27:40.80) and freshman Thomas Avra (142nd, 27