SHERBROOKE -- Nine Bisons -- six male and three female -- had a standout showing at U SPORTS Cross Country Nationals today. It's the first time in seven years that the Herd have had at least nine student-athletes at the event in back to back years, showing that the future is bright. 

Noah Fillion was the top Bisons finisher, crossing the line in 26:02, for 60th overall. His time was a personal best for the event, two seconds faster than his time from 2023. Younger brother Luc -- a Canada West All-Rookie member -- finished just nine seconds behind, 64th overall in his first showing at nationals. Carson Kroeker also earned a third straight trip to U SPORTS, finishing in 26:36, while Hayes McMillan was a representative at the event for a second straight season, crossing the line in 26:14. Jonah Leppelmann also ran at nationals for a second straight season, finishing in 27:15, while Draycen Ralph showed out in his first time at U SPORTS, running to a time of 28:04.

Lena Klassen -- competing at nationals for a third season in a row -- was the top Bisons finisher on the female side, crossing the line in 30:37 for 74th overall. Rookies Frances Terichow Parrott and Sadie Maciura also repped Manitoba for the first time at nationals, finishing in 31:28, and 31:35, respectively.