MADISON, Wis. -- The Southern Utah men's and women's cross country teams competed together at the NCAA Championships for the first time in SUU history with the No. 19 men taking 21st and the No. 25 women taking 25th overall.

On the men's side of the team, Aidan Reed led with a 51st place finish clocking in a time of 30:09.8. Reed was followed by Nate Osterstock in 99th with a time of 30:36.9.

Sean Newcomb, Christian Ricketts and Liam Kennel were the next Thunderbirds to finish with George Espino and Koy Moore finishing up the race.

The men finished the race 21st behind Air Force and Michigan.

"This has been a rebuilding year for us and to have these athletes accomplish what they did today is really a big deal for this team" commented head coach Eric Houle. "Seeing that we have had to make some adjustments this year, placing like this is a great thing for these men."

Angie Nickerson was the first Thunderbird to cross the finish line for the women with a time of 20:42.0 locking in a 47th place finish. Nickerson was followed by Allison Pray, Madison Fruchey, Maddy Kauffman.

Also racing for the T-Birds, Sharlie Dimick finished with a time of 21:41.0. The Thunderbirds finished the race with Julieta Navarrete-Lamas and Morgan Porcaro.

The women were able to lock in a 25th place finish ahead of Florida State, Oregon State and Georgia Tech.

"To have these women match their national ranking for their first time at nationals is a huge accomplishment," commented Houle. "These women were able to go out there and compete with the best in the nation and they held their own. I'm very proud of what this team has accomplished today."

"As we look ahead, I don't doubt that these teams will continue to be strong," added Houle. "As we move into track we will continue to see improvement in all aspects. As we move into cross country next season, I think we will be able to hold our status with the athletes we have recruited as well as the athletes coming off of redshirt years."

The Thunderbirds will now be looking forward to their indoor track season beginning in January of 2019.

Stay current on SUU cross country by following @SUUTFXC on Twitter and Instagram and like the Southern Utah Track and XC page on Facebook.

Head to www.suutbirds.com for all Thunderbird athletics news.

Men's Finishers

Aidan Reed (51st Place; 30:09.8)

Nate Osterstock (99th Place; 30:36.9)

Sean Newcomb (135th Place; 30:58.0)

Christian Ricketts (165th Place; 31:14.1)

Liam Kennell (192nd Place; 31:31.0)

George Espino (202nd Place; 31:34.2)

Koy Moore (248th Place; 33:25.3)

Women's Finishers

Angie Nickerson (47th Place; 20:42.0)

Alison Pray (157th Place; 21:31.7)

Madison Fruchey (158th Place; 21:32.3)

Maddy Kauffman (159th Place; 21:32.3)

Sharlie Dimick (181st Place; 21:41.0)

Julieta Navarrete-Lamas (218th Place; 22:08.5)

Morgan Porcaro (226th Place; 22:18.4)