The North Dakota State women's and men's cross country teams will open the 2025 season at the Marauders Invite hosted by the University of Mary on Friday afternoon in Bismarck, N.D.
 
The women's six-kilometer race is scheduled for 4 p.m., with the men's 8k to follow at 4:45 p.m. at the McDowell Dam Recreation Area.
 
The Bison women return the defending Summit League champion and Cross Country Athlete of the Year in senior Reagan Baesler, as well as Jenna DeBates, Jaelyn Miller, Reagan Berg, and Aleah Miller from the scoring five at last year's conference and regional meets.
 
The top returners for the Bison men include Jacob Knodle, Ethan Moe, Will Gerber, and Regan Bosch.
 
The NDSU women have captured five conference team cross country championships since 2011. The Bison men have finished as the runner-up at the conference meet seven times in the past eight years.