SALT LAKE CITY – Idaho State cross country concluded its 2025 season with a strong showing at the NCAA Mountain Regional Championships on Saturday. Both Bengal squads competed with determination, with the men finishing 13th and the women 14th, reflecting the program's continued growth and depth.
The men posted 386 points while racing against some of the nation's highest-ranked teams, including New Mexico, BYU, and Northern Arizona. Senior Seth Babbel led the way with a 48th-place finish in 31:36.1, followed by veteran Sunny Gunn (69th, 32:39.2) and Gavin Pollock (84th, 33:14.9). Ryan Estrada (93rd, 33:37.5) and Jacob DeTemple (95th, 33:51.3) rounded out the scoring, while Chase Markunas (112th, 35:00.1) added valuable depth to the lineup, combining senior experience and emerging talent.
The women's squad scored 394 points, also competing against nationally ranked competition from New Mexico, BYU, and Northern Arizona. Senior Ashley Reeck led the Bengals with a 53rd-place finish in 21:56.4, followed by sophomore Kamber Scott (63rd, 22:16.9) and Allie Lemons (79th, 22:37.9). Sophomore Kaitlyn Blackham (104th, 23:37.9) and junior Natalya Babcock (103rd, 23:37.2) completed the scoring, while Alivia Johnson (113th, 23:59.2) and Olivia Kendell (118th, 24:24.9) provided additional depth.
With the NCAA Mountain Regional Championships marking the final cross country meet of the season, both Bengal squads now look forward to a well-deserved break before returning to competition on December 12th for the Idaho State Winter Open in the ICCU Dome.
