Hawks Hold the Top Spot Heading Into NJCAA DIII Nationals

Palatine, IL: As the 2025 national championship looms, the Harper Hawks men's cross country team enters the postseason riding high, ranked No. 1 in the final USTFCCCA National Coaches' Ranking (Week 4) released on October 29.

The Week 4 poll reflects the continued dominance of Region 4 programs. Harper, College of DuPage Chaps and Joliet Wolves retained their top-three billing in that order. These three alone have dominated the national conversation, combining to win the last four national team titles and setting the stage for a familiar yet high-stakes showdown.

Harper's status as the top ranked team doesn't surprise given their season: a regional title in hand and a roster brimming with both front-line talent and depth. Key elements of this run include:

Elite leaders up front: Harper's top two runners (Ryan Golden and Sebastian Welc) continue to set the pace and posture for national contention.
Depth that matters: Beyond the leaders, Harper's 3-7 man range has delivered consistent improvements and personal bests all season.
A legacy to uphold: With 9 national titles already and more All-Americans than many programs can count, Harper is chasing both the banner and the history behind it.

Heading into nationals (Saturday, November 8 at Lakeside Golf Course, Fort Dodge, Iowa) several factors will determine whether Harper translates polling dominance into championship hardware. The final ranking is out, but nothing is locked until the finish line. The Hawks must race smart, avoid mistakes, and stay composed. While Harper's top two are elite, national meets can be decided by 4th–6th runners. The Hawks' strength at those spots gives them an edge. DuPage and Joliet will be hungry and Harper knows this. Historically, Region 4 teams dominate nationals; Harper must deliver its best to stay atop.

With the final USTFCCCA poll in their favor, the Harper Hawks are set to enter the 2025 NJCAA DIII Nationals as the top-ranked team and frontrunner for the title. But status alone won't win a championship. It will take focus, depth, execution, and a team willing to do the little things right when it matters most.

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Players Mentioned

Ryan Golden: Freshman

Sebastian Welc: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Ryan Golden
: Freshman

Sebastian Welc
: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Ryan Golden

Sebastian Welc

Players Mentioned

Ryan Golden

Sebastian Welc