ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – With a core of experienced runners, high energy, and a deep passion for competition, the College of Saint Benedict cross country team is poised to kick off the 2025 season with optimism and determination.

After placing seventh at the MIAC Championships last fall with 166 points, the Bennies are aiming to climb the conference ranks this year. Under the leadership of head coach Robin Balder-Lanoue—who has guided CSB to a top-five MIAC finish 17 times in her 27-year tenure—the program continues to build on its tradition of excellence. CSB has placed in the top 10 at the regions in 19 of her 28 seasons.

"When you have 10 seniors, you have 10 different leaders who can connect with every member of the team," said Balder-Lanoue, a CSB alum ('91) and former standout runner herself, who has coached five All-Americans, 40 all-region honorees  and 29 All-MIAC performers. "There's always a bit of nerves with racing, but experience brings confidence. They've been there before, and now they're ready to rise to the next level."

The Bennies begin their season on Friday, Sept. 5, at the Toni St. Pierre Invitational, hosted at River Oaks Golf Course in Cold Spring, Minn. The race starts at 6 p.m. Live scoring is available by clicking here.

The regular season continues with a strong schedule:

• Sept. 20 – St. Olaf Invitational - Northfield, Minn.
• Oct. 3 – Blugold Invitational - Colfax, Wis.
• Oct. 18 – George Oja Invitational - Salem, Ore.

The postseason begins with the MIAC Championships on Nov. 1 at Highlands Golf Course in St. Paul, followed by regional and potential national competition. View the full schedule by clicking here. 

Among the returning leaders is senior Mary Kenney, a nursing major who earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District and USTFCCCA All-Academic honors in 2024. She led CSB at last year's NCAA North Region meet, finishing 53rd in a season-best 23:32.5 over 6,000 meters as the team placed 18th overall.

"We graduated some strong seniors, but we're bringing back a lot of experience," said Kenney. "There's so much energy in the group, especially as new runners step into bigger roles. I think it's going to be a really fun season."

Junior Abby Bufkin, a biology and nursing double major, echoed the importance of team cohesion.

"A lot of our success comes from working together," said Bufkin, who placed 41st at the 2024 MIAC Championships and has a career-best of 24:16.9 across 6,000-meters. "We're always supporting and pushing one another. If everyone gives their all and lifts up their teammates, we'll have a successful season no matter what the final results say."
  That sentiment was shared by junior Julia Babineau, another nursing major and veteran contributor.

"Community means everything," said Babineau, who owns a 6K personal best of 23:59.7. "Our team chemistry creates a sense of home and family—that connection makes all the difference."

The Bennies continue to thrive both on the course and in the classroom. With the exception of the 2020 season (canceled due to COVID-19), Saint Benedict has earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors in 28 consecutive seasons dating back to 1996—and 29 times total since 1993. In 2024, the program set a new standard with 16 Academic All-MIAC honorees, the most in team history.