Vancouver, Wash. - The 2023 NAIA Cross Country season came to its conclusion on Friday afternoon in Vancouver, Washington, as the NAIA Championships were held in the northwest region of the country. Blake Hipkiss represented the Knights well at the championship to finish the men's cross country season, as he finished 83rd overall in the field of 199 student-athletes.

Hipkiss started the race strong with an opening split time of 2:57.6 to the first kilometer, running in 22nd place overall. Hipkiss dropped two spots over the next kilometer as his split time increased six second, still holding strong in the top-25.

The senior's third kilometer dropped him below the All-American threshold, as his 3:23.2 split time pushed him to 50th overall. Hipkiss continued to fight despite dropping in the field to as far back as 98th overall. After a 3:30 split on the seventh kilometer, the senior attacked the final leg of the race, gutting a 3:08.1 time to gain 15 spots and finish 83rd overall, clocking a final time of 26:08.4.

Hipkiss' finish ends the men's cross country season, as the Knights can now turn their full attention to indoor track and field. The first indoor meet of the season will be held on December 2 at UIndy with the Knights sending their developmental team athletes to the southside, while the first varsity meet of the season will take place on Friday, December 8, as Marian races at the annual John Gartland Invite hosted by Indiana State.

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