RIO GRANDE, Ohio – Three runners representing the University of Rio Grande are among those participating in the NAIA National Cross Country Championships on Saturday at the Fort Vancouver Historical Site in Vancouver, Wash.

Nick Wilson and Joe Taranto will represent the RedStorm on the men’s side, while Kayla Renner will be among those vying for the women’s crown.

Wilson and Taranto finished second and sixth, respectively, in the Mid-South Conference Cross Country Championships two weeks ago on the URG campus.

Wilson crossed the finish line in a time of 25:31 – seven seconds behind champion Brad Liston of Shawnee State.

Taranto finished the 8K course in a time of 25:53.

Renner earned her way to the national championship meet by finishing seventh in the MSC championship. The senior finished the 5K course in a time of 19:43.

“The kids are excited and I’m excited for them,” said Rio Grande head coach Bob Willey, shortly before departing with the trio on Tuesday night for a Wednesday morning flight to nearby Portland, Oregon. “I think Nick, in particular, has a chance to be an All-American. His times have gotten progressively better as the year has gone on. Joe and Kayla both could get there, too, if they continue to run well. We’ll just have to see how it goes.”

The women’s championship is slated to get underway at 1:30 p.m. EST Race time for the men is set for 2:45 p.m.