ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State men's cross country team made history by capturing its first MIAA Championship since 1972, powered by a record-setting performance from individual champion Grant Bradley at the MWSU Cross Country Course.
 
The Bearcat women's squad delivered a strong fourth-place finish, as Alyna Thibault and Lydia McGlocklin led the way with top-five finishes. 
 
Bearcat Men's 8K
Bradley delivered a historic performance at the MIAA Championships, becoming only the first male Bearcat, second overall individual champion to ever claim a title. Bradley's time of 23:21.05 not only set a new school record, but also ranks sixth nationally and second in the central region. Bradley's remarkable run also stands as the second-fastest finish in MIAA history.
 
MIAA Individual Champion 8K Records – Top 10

1. Laban Sialo, UCM (2011) – 23:17.88
2. Grant Bradley, NWMSU (2024) – 23:21.05
3. Gidieon Kimutai, MSSU (2019) – 23:37.30
4. Gidieon Kimutai, MSSU (2022) – 23:38.19
5. Vincent Kiprop, MSSU (2015) – 23:40.00
6. Laban Sialo, UCM (2010) – 23:57.50
7. David Kibet, Washburn (2023) – 24:00.92
8. Vincent Kiprop, MSSU (2016) – 24:17.00
9. Rob Jensen, TSU (1992) – 24:18.00
10. Ryan Riddle, MSSU (2021) – 24:28.42

 
Bradley wasn't alone in leading the Bearcats to victory. Nate Mueller took third with a time of 23:36.02, while Drew Atkins closely followed, securing fourth place in 23:38.88. All three earned all-MIAA honors for finishing in the top 10.
 
Riley Witt finished in 18th with a time of 24:24.96 and earning honorable mention all-MIAA recognition.
 
The Bearcat men's team finished with 47 points, securing their first MIAA team title in 52 years.
 
Northwest Men 8K Final Times – MIAA Championships
1. Grant Bradley – 23:21.05**
3. Nate Mueller – 23:36.02**
4. Drew Atkins – 23:38.88**
18. Riley Witt – 24:24.96*
21. Tyler Blay – 24:28.50
22. Sam Shipp – 24:32.66
23. Brandon Mundorf – 24:32.96
30. Grayson Tapp – 24:52.49
51. Barnabe Gabillet – 25:25.29
70. Levi Allen – 25:55.87
** - All-MIAA
*- honorable mention all-MIAA
 
Men's 8K MIAA Championship Team Finishes

1. Northwest Missouri State – 47 points
2. Pittsburg State – 76 points
3. Nebraska Kearney – 99 points
4. Washburn – 139 points
5. Central Missouri – 142 points
6. Missouri Southern – 149 points
7. Missouri Western – 151 points
8. Fort Hays State – 153 points
9. Rogers State – 213 points
10. Emporia State – 301 points
11. Newman – 313 points
12. UA-Fort Smith – 376 points

 
Bearcat Women's 6K
On the women's side, Thibault earned a fourth-place finish with a personal-best time of 21:41.53, securing first-team all-MIAA honors. Right behind her was McGlocklin, who took fifth with a time of 21:43.58, also earning first-team all-MIAA recognition.
 
Mayson Hartley set a new personal best of 22:15.21, finishing 20th and receiving honorable mention all-MIAA honors. Olivia Bakker just missed the top 20, placing 21st with a season-best time of 22:18.00, contributing to a strong team effort.
 
Northwest Women 6K Final Times – MIAA Championships 
4. Alyna Thibault – 21:41.53**
5. Lydia McGlocklin – 21:43.58**
20. Mayson Hartley – 22:15.21*
21. Olivia Bakker – 22:18.00
33. Bree Mauro – 22:54.90
36. Shelby Harris – 23:04.29
42. Lou Maquaire – 23:14.45
53. Ava Gehlen – 23:38.97
71. Reagan McGuire – 24:37.02
72. Bailey Robinson – 24:44.55
** - All-MIAA
*- honorable mention all-MIAA
 
Women's 6K MIAA Championship Team Finishes

1. Pittsburg State – 55 points
2. Rogers State – 70 points
3. Fort Hays State – 75 points
4. Northwest Missouri State – 83 points
5. Nebraska Kearney – 97 points
6. Missouri Southern – 160 points
7. Washburn – 188 points
8. Emporia State – 292 points
9. Central Missouri – 294 points
10. Missouri Western – 295 points
11. UA-Fort Smith – 303 points
12. Newman – 310 points
13. Central Oklahoma – 379 points

 
Both the men's and women's teams will look to carry their momentum into the NCAA Central Region meet, set for Saturday, Nov. 9, in Joplin, Mo.