2025 Heart of America Cross Country Postseason Awards Announced
The Heart of America Athletic Conference has announced its 2025 Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Postseason Award winners, as voted on by the league’s head coaches.
2025 Heart Men's Coach of the Year – Rikki Hacker – Park University
In his third season with the Pirates, Rikki Hacker guided Park to another strong campaign, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the 2024 Heart Conference Championship. Following a 2023 season in which he also earned Coach of the Year honors, Hacker continues to build a consistent and competitive men's program.
2025 Heart Men's Freshman of the Year – Noah Gregorie – Mount Mercy University
Gregorie delivered an impressive debut season, placing 5th at the 2025 Heart Championships with an 8K time of 24:50.8. His performance established him as one of the conference's top rising runners.
2025 Heart Women's Coach of the Year – Jacob Connealy – Benedictine College
Connealy earns Women's Coach of the Year honors after leading Benedictine to another standout season. The Ravens continued their strong presence in the conference under his direction, adding to the success he previously achieved in 2023.
2025 Heart Women's Freshman of the Year – Betsy Skendzel – Benedictine College
Skendzel made an immediate impact for the Ravens, finishing 3rd at the 2025 Heart Championships. Her 6K time of 21:44.2 highlighted a breakout freshman season.
Looking Ahead to Nationals
The Heart will be well represented at the 2025 NAIA Cross Country National Championship on November 21 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla., where teams will compete for the 2025 Red Banner.
Women's Team Qualifiers: Benedictine College, Mount Mercy University, Missouri Baptist University
Women's Individual Qualifiers:
• Crystal Ruden, William Woods (Mo.)
• Isabella Meili, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)
• Delaney Straus, Culver-Stockton (Mo.)
• Anna Joyce, Park (Mo.)
• Sarah Kirby, William Woods (Mo.)
• Claire Rye, William Penn (Iowa)
Men's Team Qualifiers: Park University, Mount Mercy University
Men's Individual Qualifiers:
• Will Niederee, Benedictine (Kan.)
• Brendan Alfonso, Benedictine (Kan.)
• John Joyce, Benedictine (Kan.)
• Andrew Miller, William Penn (Iowa)
• Joseph Accurso, Benedictine (Kan.)
• Micah Munoz, Benedictine (Kan.)