FHSU Athletics
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Junior long-distance runner Emily Dierks represented the Fort Hays State women's cross country team at the 2024 NCAA Division II Championships on Saturday, placing 71st in the field of 261 runners.
Diercks completed the six-kilometer track at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in 21:49.5, second-fastest amongst runners from MIAA schools and seventh-best amongst Central Region competitors. The Hoxie, Kan. native ran her fastest split over the first kilometer of the race, passing the 1K pole in 3:23.4 to sit in 48th at the time.
The Hoxie, Kan. native turned in a strong season, winning twice and finishing in the top seven at each of her first five races. She was the MIAA individual champion and was an All-Region selection after placing seventh at the regional championships.
Diercks' appearance at the national meet gave FHSU at least one runner in the race for the ninth time out of the last 12 national championships.