BILLINGS, Mont. --- Biola cross country has made a home at the NCAA DII West Region Championships with each team's fifth-straight appearance set for Saturday. The two teams have never failed to qualify for the big race and are ready to attack the course in Billings, Montana with a spot at Nationals on the line.


Head Coach Sean Henning has his crews ready for the next step in postseason action, "We are in great spirits going into this weekend," said Henning.


The BU women claimed the conference crown two weeks ago in a comfortable fashion. The Eagles took down the field in Irvine for their third-straight PacWest title, stepping up the fight from their regular season racing.


"The women did a great job bouncing back from a tough Lewis Crossover meet to crush it at the PacWest Championship, collecting their third straight title," commented Henning. "To put it in perspective, they averaged 40 seconds a runner faster than the second place team. It was a great day for the ladies. We are in a good spot. Last week was good but not great, but I've been reminding them that one day does not define their ability and current fitness level. It's just a day."


Historical excellence is rich in the program with two-straight top-three finishes at regionals paired with two nationals appearances. BU began with a 14th placement in 2019 but has consistently improved at the west region championships, taking fifth in 2021, third in 2022, and second in 2023. Entering the weekend, Biola holds No. 3 in the region and No. 16 in the nation in the latest USTFCCCA polls.


"They are a great team capable of amazing things, as evidenced by their race at UC Riverside and the PacWest Champs. We have had a good week of training so far, and I believe the morale is high and energy is very positive. Our focus will be to be calm, confident, and courageous in the way we approach Saturday. The Lord will use this ladies team in a mighty way," added Henning.


On the men's side, the team is fresh off a second place showing at the conference championships. The BU squad narrowly lost to Azusa Pacific, which put together its strongest race of the season to beat the Eagles. Biola is still ranked in the top four in the region according to the USTFCCCA and is confident going into Saturday's longer 10k race.


"The men were hoping to bring back a PacWest title and they ran good but not great, and unfortunately got beat by a good team," said Henning. "However, they handled it extremely well and aren't phased in the slightest. Confidence is very high, maybe the highest it's been all year, and the culture is healthy and in a great spot."


The Eagles have had consistent results at regionals over the past four seasons. The team has alternated scoring sixth and seventh place as a team, going for sixth in 2019, seventh in 2021, sixth in 2022, and seventh in 2023. The team ranks 19th in the nation and hopes to make Nationals for the first time since 2019.


"The men are very grateful to the Lord for this ability He has given them and the opportunities he continues to provide. I know they will go into the weekend calm and completely trusting in His providence. Their goal, of course, is to compete with the best teams in the region and qualify automatically for NCAA's. I believe we have the team to do it," commented Henning.


The men's race will kick off the festivities in Billings, Montana with their 10k race beginning at 9:00 am PT (10:00 am MT) and will be followed by the women's 6k event at 10:15 am PT (11:15 am MT).