Beine Leads the Way: Spires Finish 6th at NAIA Nationals
COLUMBIA, MO. - The University of Saint Mary men's cross country team capped a remarkable season with a sixth-place finish at the NAIA National Championships, held at Gans Creek in Columbia, Missouri. Led by standout performances from Dominick Beine and Aleksandr Krikov, both of whom earned All-American honors, the Spires delivered a competitive performance, finishing just one point shy of a Top 5 national ranking.
Dominick Beine set the pace for the Spires, clocking in at 24:34.50 to secure 32nd place overall. Close behind was Aleksandr Krikov, who crossed the line in 24:39.60 for 37th place. Both runners earned All-American accolades for their efforts. Tommy Baker followed in 43rd place with a time of 24:43.60, and Chris Metz contributed a strong 60th-place finish at 24:55.30. Rounding out the Spires' scoring was Liam Neidig, who finished in 141st place with a time of 25:25.70.
The team standings showcased a fiercely competitive field:
- College of Idaho – 87 points
- Milligan – 96 points
- Cumberlands – 155 points
- The Master's University – 180 points
- Indiana Wesleyan – 253 points
- University of Saint Mary – 254 points
Though narrowly missing a Top 5 spot, the Spires demonstrated their resilience and depth against some of the best teams in the nation. Their sixth-place finish is a testament to their hard work and consistency throughout the season, adding to their streak of excellence following their 12th consecutive KCAC Championship earlier this year.
With two All-Americans and a strong team showing, the 2024 season is yet another chapter of success for Saint Mary men's cross country, promising an exciting future for the program.