Joliet Junior College
11/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/13/2025 11:50
JJC Cross Country Teams Place Third at NJCAA National Meet
Nov 13, 2025
The Joliet Junior College Wolves cross country teams both placed third at the 2025 NJCAA Division III National Championships in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
The meet was run in the unlikeliest of weather as it snowed heavy Saturday morning as the Division III schools were the first to compete.
In the men's race, Nathan Ciarlette was the individual runner-up and Gavin Carlson placed 10th to lead the Wolves. Both earned All-American status.
"What a crazy day," Wolves head coach Jeff DeGraw said. "It started to snow as we were on the way to the race course and it never stopped. Being the first races had both advantages and disadvantages, but everyone had to run it. If you were a spectator, you had no idea where the course was. You just had to find the lead vehicle and watch for the athletes behind.
"We were always in position in the top three as a team throughout the race, and I'm certainly happy with the overall result. Anytime you can come home with hardware (Top 3) it's a plus. Two freshmen, Glen Earnest and Adrian Castillo, ran really well as they were our fourth and fifth runners and did a fantastic job."
The women were next up, and with it still snowing, there wasn't much difference in the race as the Wolves were between second and third place the entire course. Gabby Zid placed 8th and Allison Behounek was 10th with both also receiving All-American honors.
"I thought the women ran great, and it was their first podium finish since 2021," DeGraw said. "Vivienne Forte and Ember Myers ran very well as our third and fourth runners. Gabby Zid was steady as she has been all season, and Allison had an absolutely great season, and that shows what your summer running and having confidence can do for you.
"I would also like to thank our athletic director Gregg Braun and all the parents who braved the wet, snowy day for all of their support. It will be a meet that will be remembered for a long time."
The double podium finish was also the first for the Wolves since 2021.
Photos ©NJCAA
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