The Trojans were announced as the 2025 NAIA Champions on Nov. 21 in Tallahassee, Fla., with sophomore Jaynie Halterman taking the individual win.
The women used Apalachee Regional Park’s flatter course to their advantage. They scored a total of only 90 points, totaling 1:47:38 as their second fastest time of the season.
Milligan followed Taylor’s double-digit score with 109 points, while Dordt placed third with 136. Marian University, Grace College and Indiana Wesleyan took places in the top-15 to represent the Crossroads League competition.
Halterman’s win not only secured her a second national title and a time of 20:13, but it also bested her time of 20:24 from last year’s championship. She completed her race over 30 seconds before second place, while averaging under 5:25 per mile.
The women’s four-meet win streak produced a quartet of NAIA All-Americans. These All-Americans qualify by individually placing in the top-40.
Following Halterman were her teammates; junior Sam Patterson, freshman Catey Campbell and senior Noel Bass finished in the top-20 to claim their titles. Taylor was the only school to hold four All-Americans this year.
Patterson and Campbell posted personal records. Patterson recorded 21:40 for a 14th place finish and Campbell finished in 21:43 at 17th. Bass crossed the line for the final time with a 21:44 and 20th place.
Junior Malarie Pinwar completed the top five, finishing 51st. Seniors Rebekah Firestone and Emersyn Funk finished 64th and 163rd, respectively.
Their performance on Friday added to the success of the Trojans throughout the season. Finishing undefeated versus all races against NAIA competition, the squad is one of the best in Taylor history.
Their achievement is marked by both the veterans and the underclassmen and by the scorers and the supporters. The group that traveled to Florida can be found in both categories.
Senior Zoe Dinius was among the Maddawgs who had the opportunity to encourage teammates from the sidelines here. Reminding the team to stay organized and have fun was important to her this season. She concluded her career at the CL Championships on Nov. 7.
“It is very bittersweet to end my cross-country career,” Dinius said. “Running is a tough sport and is not always easy, yet TUXC has changed my life for the better. I will miss the people and the competition more than anything.”
The class of 2026 may have ended their cross country season, but track and field is just around the corner.
Junior Addie Draper reflected on her fall season, as she supported the team from Upland and looks to prepare for the 800-meter race this spring. She remembered the pure enjoyment she found in racing this year.
Draper also highlighted the team’s admirable attitude when things went wrong and their willingness to adjust during weather changes and inconvenient races.
The runners will experience more flexibility coming from Nationals, taking two weeks off from training before indoor track workouts commence. The bittersweetness mentioned by Dinius goes beyond the conclusion of cross country careers.
“Coach Q (Taylor Head Coach Quinn White) has been a wise leader these past four years for me,” Dinius said. “He taught us that as Christians we never have anything to fear. Jesus has already conquered death, and nothing I can do will ever change the weight of that. I may fall short, but Jesus already won.”
White was named this year’s NAIA Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year.
He coached his last race in Florida, marking 16 years with the program before retirement. His goal of being present with the team, rather than putting too much focus on the future paid off. 2025 marked his 13th national appearance and third NAIA National Championship title for Taylor.
The Maddawgs will begin their track season on Jan. 16 at the Indiana Tech Invite in Fort Wayne, Ind.
