Lindsey Wilson college dominates Division I four cross

Following the morning's short track races, the first gravity competitions of the weekend took place on the Northstar’s four cross course on Saturday afternoon.

Benjamin Hulse (Lees-McRae College) won the main in the Division I men's event, besting Weston Pope (Lindsey Wilson College), Jarrod Adcock (Lindsey Wilson College), and Logan Collins (Lindsey Wilson College) while Erik Nelson (Northern Arizona University). grabbed the final spot on the podium in fifth place.

In the Division II men's main, Blake Carney (California Lutheran University) rode his way into a Stars-and-Stripes jersey after beating out Chris Hale (Mesa State College), Geoffrey Fryer (East Tennessee State University), and Kevin Pabinquit (Humboldt State University). Thomas Wilkinson (East Tennessee State University) won the race for fifth.

After sending three women to the four-rider main, Lindsey Wilson College swept the top three spots on the Division I women's four cross podium with Brittany Bates (Lindsey Wilson College) riding to the national title, Jessica Cartwright (Lindsey Wilson College) earning the silver, and Stephanie Barragan (Lindsey Wilson College) taking bronze. Rounding out the podium in fourth and fifth respectively were Jill Behlen (University of Wyoming) and Caroline Westray (Appalachian State University).

In the Division II women's contest, Essence Barton (California Lutheran University) fought her way onto the podium’s top step, taking the win over silver and bronze medalists Christen Boyer (Colorado School of Mines) and Anne Minor (Clarkson University). Elisa Otter (Warren Wilson College) was fourth in the main while Bridgette LeBer (Montana State University) beat out the rest of the competition in the race for fifth.

The nationals will conclude on Sunday morning with the downhill competitions and the much-anticipated overall omnium podium presentations.