The snow-covered trails of Idaho State’s campus set the stage for the Big Sky Conference Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

The Hornets’ men’s and women’s teams finished in last place (eighth). Sophomore Ben Morales finished the hilly eight-kilometer course in 21st place. Morales a transfer student from Oklahoma State, completed the circuitous course in 26:44.

“We were not prepared for the cold weather conditions,” Morales said.

Both teams competed with the freezing temperatures in Pocatello, Idaho reaching a high of only 20 degrees. The course was slippery and wet, not exactly the most ideal conditions for California runners.

“The course and the conditions were the most challenging we have had to face all season,” head coach Joe Neff said.

Montana State, ranked No. 22 in the nation, scored a major upset against No. 4-ranked Northern Arizona in the men’s race, to capture the championship.

The team title is the second for MSU in the history of the Big Sky Conference, with their last title coming in 1993.

Junior Casey Jermyn, of MSU, won the Big Sky individual men’s crown, finishing in first place with a time of 24 minutes and 53 seconds. Ida Nilson won the ladies crown for NAU in 18:16.

Her teammates posted the lowest score recorded in Big Sky women’s history with 18 total points. Northern Arizona’s win helped them successfully defend their Big Sky Conference-team title.

Jake Mills came in 40th (28:12), Cuco Cavez 41st (28:20), Tom Getchell in 49th (29:19) and Michael Santarosa in 52nd (31:15), were the top five finishers from Sac State.

Melissa Madeson, a fifth-year senior, finished the five-kilometer course with a time of 20:30, which placed her 23rd among the 55-plus competitors.

Jennifer Burkhalter came in 38th (21:00), Annette Corey 43rd (21:19), Virginia Grillo 46th (21:36) and Bianca Davis 47th (21:36), were the top five finishers from Sac State.

Morales and Madeson will compete at the NCAA West Regional in Stanford on Saturday, Nov. 16.

“I am really excited to compete against some of the best runners on the west coast,” Morales said. “I am looking forward to the race at Stanford.”