The Indiana University Kokomo cross country team was represented by senior Casey Pfefferkorn and junior Luis Saldana at the NAIA national meet in Tallahassee, Florida on Nov. 18.  

This was Pfefferkorn’s first time qualifying for nationals and Saldana’s second, the most consecutive advances in the men’s history.  

The women’s 5,000-meter race saw a total of 326 runners and Pfefferkorn stepped up, running a lifetime best of 19:14 placing 132nd. This wraps up her cross-country career, and she will shift her focus to her final track season.  

“Since it is my final cross season, it was just super surreal,” Pfefferkorn said after the race. “I’ve been doing this for eleven years and now it’s all over. I am super happy that I was able to go out with a personal best.” 

“Casey has been a treat to have these past four years,” said Head Coach Josh Colvin. “She was a spot away from making it every year, but she was finally able to get over that hump and qualify for nationals and left it all on the course. We will miss her greatly.” 

The men’s 8,000-meter race was very competitive, with 318 runners in total. Saldana crossed the line in 258th place, with a time of 27:00. This is the fifth fastest time in IU Kokomo history. 

“It was not the race I wanted, but at the end of the day, I am just glad that I was able to qualify,” Saldana said afterward. 

“Luis was not at his best, which is unfortunate. At the end of the day, he had a good race at conference, which is all that matters,” Colvin said. “Obviously you would prefer a better performance, but nationals is a bonus. You have to earn your right to be here, and he did that.”