605 Sports Staff

PORTLAND, Ore. — Rapid City Stevens senior Simeon Birnbaum finished sixth at the Nike Cross Country Nationals on Saturday.

The future University of Oregon distance runner ran in the lead pack for the first half of the race, fell back to 12th at the 2.5 mile mark before surging over the last 800 meters of the race. 

His time of 14:55.5 was just over 10 seconds behind the race winner, Aaron Sahlman, of Newbury Park, California.  

Sioux Falls Lincoln’s Ali Bainbridge placed 22nd in the girls race. The future University of Nebraska distance runner covered the 5K distance in 17:44.0.

The Nike Cross Nationals comprises eight regional qualifying meets and the National Finals in Portland. The Nationals course at Glendoveer Golf Course offers athletes a premium, challenging championship venue for putting it all on the line.