Cross Country Ends Season at NJCAA National Championships, Bouldjadj Named All-American

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Butler cross country traveled to the NJCAA National Championships at John Hunt Park on Saturday, with both the men's and women's squad placing 11th in the country.

The Grizzlies had 13 total runners compete in Huntsville with seven runners on the men's squad and six runners on the women's side.

The women finished 11th out of 27 teams, just behind in Hutchinson in 10th. Salt Lake CC won the meet. The men's squad placed 11th out of 28 teams, one spot behind Indian Hills in 10th. Trinidad State won the men's side.

Grizzly freshman Adem Bouldjadj capped off his brilliant season being named an NJCAA All-American as he placed eighth overall out of 199 runners with a 24:00.50 time in the men's 800m race.

The rest of the Grizzly men's finishers were as follows:

52nd: Soualah Yasser (25:48.90)

76th: Devon Simmons (26:30.60)

82nd: Abdelhakim Boukhiar (26:38.80)

107th: Kevin Swindell (27:08.00)

163rd: Isaiah Smith (28:41.30)

171st: Branen Moore (29:05.70)

The top women's finisher was Khloi Bird who placed 25th out 180 runners, running an 18:46.20 time in the women's 500m race.

The rest of the Grizzly women's finishers were as follows:

49th: Alison Unruh (19:35.40)

55th: Heidi Grimmett (19:47.20)

76th: Valyrie Freeman (20:17.40)

115th: Josie Ware (21:12.70)

177th: Emma Curley (27:08.90)

The Butler cross country runners now turn their attention to the indoor track season which kicks off on January 11, 2024, at the Friends University First Chance Qualifier, held at Wichita State.