Academy of Art University Athletics

Running through cold conditions for the NCAA Division II West Regional Championships at the Plantes Ferry Sports Complex, Nicolas Rifflard kept his memorable first collegiate cross country season going with a 15th place finish overall. The performance had him as one of the top three individual finishers who are eligible for Nationals on Nov. 23 once again in Spokane, WA. Running an extended 10k course in conditions that were around the low 40s, the junior powered his way to a time of 32:26.7. He becomes the second Urban Knight to reach NCAA Nationals after Jenny Bergren did it in 2012 en route to her All-American honor.

"This day will stay one of the best athletics moments in my life and probably the hardest cross country race I've ever competed in," Rifflard said. "I feel so happy to be qualified for Nationals and I'm honored to be the first man to go from ART U. I hope next season we will go as a team, but right now I'm focused for this next race where my goal will be to finish as an All American."