EAST LANSING, Mich. (October 31, 2025) – Led by a trio of All-Big Ten honorees, No. 8 Northwestern cross country finished third overall at the Big Ten Championships this morning in East Lansing, Mich. The Wildcats' third-place showing marks the program's top finish at the conference meet since the 1986 season.
Northwestern complied a team score of 96 points at the Forest Akers East Golf Course to edge No. 20 Washington (103 points) by seven points for a spot in the top three. No. 4 Oregon (18 points) captured the team title, while No. 12 Penn State (78 points) checked in second. The Ducks' Diana Cherotich surged to individual medalist honors in 19:31.3.
For the second time in as many years at the league meet, Ava Earl was the first Wildcat across the finish line. Out of Girdwood, Alaska, Earl clocked a time of 20:24.5 in the women's 6k race en route to placing 13th overall and earning Second Team All-Big Ten accolades for a second consecutive year.
The pairing of Ava Criniti and Maddy Whitman secured the first All-Big Ten nods of their respective careers, both joining Earl as Second Team honorees. Criniti came in just under a second back of Earl in 14th at 20:25.4, while Whitman ran a 6k season-best 20:29.9 to finish 17th.
Holly Smith battled her way into a spot inside the top 25, as she posted a time of 20:34.1 to take 24th. Anna Hightower rounded out the Northwestern top five in 28th at 20:39.4.
The postseason rolls on for Northwestern on Friday, November 14, when the 'Cats visit Stillwater, Okla. for the NCAA Midwest Regional.
Northwestern complied a team score of 96 points at the Forest Akers East Golf Course to edge No. 20 Washington (103 points) by seven points for a spot in the top three. No. 4 Oregon (18 points) captured the team title, while No. 12 Penn State (78 points) checked in second. The Ducks' Diana Cherotich surged to individual medalist honors in 19:31.3.
Top Three ??
— Northwestern Athletics (@NU_Sports) October 31, 2025
Northwestern places third overall at the Big Ten Championships, its best team finish since 1986! pic.twitter.com/zuDFLyY9fq
For the second time in as many years at the league meet, Ava Earl was the first Wildcat across the finish line. Out of Girdwood, Alaska, Earl clocked a time of 20:24.5 in the women's 6k race en route to placing 13th overall and earning Second Team All-Big Ten accolades for a second consecutive year.
The pairing of Ava Criniti and Maddy Whitman secured the first All-Big Ten nods of their respective careers, both joining Earl as Second Team honorees. Criniti came in just under a second back of Earl in 14th at 20:25.4, while Whitman ran a 6k season-best 20:29.9 to finish 17th.
Holly Smith battled her way into a spot inside the top 25, as she posted a time of 20:34.1 to take 24th. Anna Hightower rounded out the Northwestern top five in 28th at 20:39.4.
The postseason rolls on for Northwestern on Friday, November 14, when the 'Cats visit Stillwater, Okla. for the NCAA Midwest Regional.
Gallery: (10-31-2025) Cross Country at Big Ten Championships