Featured Testimonial About Creighton University
To coincide with Creighton’s historic Forward Blue fundraising campaign, the Cross Country team launched a program goal of 100 donors committing $200 a year, to be used primarily for purchasing the gear and equipment that keeps Creighton Cross Country competitive. Donors can make a gift of any size to Creighton XC here.
By Jon Nyatawa
During a race, no one is holding back. Everyone’s fully committed to expending all energy by the finish line. You’re exhausted, yet still pushing, straining, digging deep, panting for air. Any edge you can gain on others, you take.
That’s why Creighton’s distance runners appreciate competing on their home course — where they have the advantage.
And it’s why they’re so encouraged for the future, when upgrades and enhancements supported by generous donors will transform Olsson XC Course at Mahoney State Park into a championship-caliber site and a top venue in the Midwest.
The most recent reason to celebrate what’s ahead: For the first time, Creighton will host the 2025 BIG EAST Cross Country Championships.
“It’s just so exciting to be part of this program right now,” freshman Saige Christen said. “It’s almost surreal to describe how much we’re growing, how we get to be part of so many firsts for Creighton. And knowing there are people who see our sport, want to invest in us and join us on this journey is really inspiring."
This season, Creighton will compete for the first time in the BIG EAST Track and Field Outdoor Championships. The team is also sending student-athletes to the prestigious Bryan Clay Invitational in April in California.
Lasy year, junior Tommy Ward became the first Bluejay to earn an NCAA West Regional spot. In six years under Coach Chris Gannon, the Jays have notched 36 school records and hit 268 all-time marks.
They’re celebrating more successes. They’re traveling to bigger events. They’re making more memories.
“Our coaches are pushing us to a place we’ve never been before,” sophomore Brian Hiltebrand said. “We’re getting into faster races, more competitive races, and we get to try to prove ourselves. Since I’ve gotten here, we’ve grown so much."
What’s essential to continuing that upward trajectory are the improvements at Olsson XC Course.
Through support from program donors, Creighton will expand the course’s width, improve drainage systems and fine-tune the running surface. There’s a larger vision, too — to add permanent power at the start and finish lines; a course-wide timing system with digital displays placed at key checkpoints; and new elements to provide a memorable student-athlete and fan experience, such as food trucks and a competition-day D.J.
An elite course makes Creighton more attractive to recruits. It opens new possibilities to host major events.
Plus, it’s just really great to have a place to call home.
After just two years, Creighton’s student-athletes feel a point of pride when talking about Mahoney. They’re often the ones out there setting up markers or reporting on problem spots. They help set up on race day and tear down afterward.
They train there. They bond with one another there. They’ve experienced major success there.
When you know the course, it’s a significant advantage, they said. You’re ready for elevation changes. You have a good gauge of when it’s best to make a move or instead, sit back and grind a bit longer. Sometimes the straight-line tangent isn’t always ideal, either, depending on the spot.
The men’s team last fall won its first Division I Invitational since 2007 at Mahoney State Park. Christen, who was training for her 800-meter track event, ran the best time of her career there last year. Sophomore Molly Rogers already has her eyes on the 2025 BIG EAST Championships.
“When we host, just thinking about that, I’ll have run on that course a thousand times,” Rogers said. “Just having that extra competitive edge, knowing the course by heart, being at home — our home — it makes it so much better."
But the experience goes beyond the competition, according to Rogers and her teammates.
“When we’re home, it’s unlike any other meet we’ll run at all season,” Rogers said. “It’s an all-day event and we always have great support from fans, alumni and parents. It’s just cool being all together, seeing everyone compete and have fun.”
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Donors can make a gift today to support the growth of Creighton cross country and track.
Check out this video update for more information about the Bluejays' recent growth: Creighton Cross Country and Track
