Results

CLAREMONT, Calif. -- Kai Sorensen led the Lutes for the third straight meet as the Pacific Lutheran University men's cross country squad wrapped up the fall with a 20th place showing at the 2025 NCAA West Region Championships hosted by Pomona-Pitzer Colleges.

"While we were looking forward to some California sunshine this weekend, it appears that we brought some classic Pacific Northwest fall weather down with us. In my twenty years of running cross country, I cannot remember a meet that had more standing water on the course," said Head Coach Francis Reynolds. 

"I was really proud of our men's team for fighting through some early adversity and running a tough race on a demanding course. Kai Sorensen put himself in a position to be successful early on, and stayed relatively consistent amongst the field throughout the race. Placing 45th in a field of this caliber is no small achievement. Despite taking a spill early on, Daniel Zimmer showed great determination by moving up nearly 40 places throughout the race. For the second time this year, Justin Garrett must be heralded for running nearly the entire race with just one shoe."

Sorensen, a Third Team All-Northwest Conference honoree, navigated the 8,000-meter on campus course in 26 minutes, 41.0 seconds, crossing the finish line on Pomona's Strehle Track in 45th place.

Noah Friedrich was the next fastest Lute, placing 77th overall in 27:08.6 while Daniel Zimmer was 131st in 28:40.0. Isaiah Bradley made his regionals debut with a 140th place finish, clocking an effort of 29:08.9. Corder Janes rounded out the scoring top five, placing 146th in 29:25.0. Justin Garrett rounded out the Lute contingent as the championship meet, placing 163rd in 30:35.7.

"I'm proud of how both teams competed today in the adverse conditions, and am even more proud of the growth they have shown this season. I can't wait to continue working with them when track season starts up in January after two months of well deserved rest and recovery."

The Lutes placed 20th in the team standings, racking up 503 points, finishing two points shy of NWC rival Pacific University and owning a 176-point gap on 21st place Whittier College. Host Pomona-Pitzer won the team title with a score of 43, boasting three top 10 finishers while Colorado College was runner-up with 73 points. Pomona's neighbor Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges was third with 80 points while NWC Champion George Fox University was fourth with 95 points.

Colorado College's Will Shuflit won the race, touring the on-campus course in 24:50.0.