Ella Buhlke, a proud graduate of Central City High School and a versatile athlete in cross country, track, and basketball, has earned her place in the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. The University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) junior will represent the Loper women’s team on Nov. 23 in Sacramento, California, as one of a select few to qualify as an individual for this prestigious national competition.

Buhlke’s journey to the championships is a testament to her relentless work ethic and athletic prowess. This season, she demonstrated exceptional performance, securing both All-Region and All-MIAA honors. Her consistent top finishes, including three top-14 placements in the regular season, placed her among the elite runners in the region and ultimately earned her an at-large berth at the nationals. Buhlke joins the ranks of former UNK standouts like Kaci Lickteig (2006) and Morgan Benesch (2015 and 2016), becoming only the third female Loper to qualify for the NCAA Championships individually.

The NCAA Championships will take place at the Arcade Creek Course at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, where Buhlke will compete. The field consists of 34 teams per gender, 24 that automatically qualify (top three in each of eight regional meets) while the remaining 10 are at large selections. A minimum of 24 additional individuals were selected to participate in each championship through an automatic qualifier and at-large selection process, underscoring the magnitude of Buhlke’s achievement.

Meanwhile, UNK’s men’s cross country team, ranked 30th in the nation, also punched their ticket to the championships after a season marked by resilience and consistent top finishes. The men’s team battled injuries and illness, finishing fifth in a competitive regional meet in Joplin, Missouri, to secure an at-large spot. This year’s NCAA appearance marks their third qualification in four years, a remarkable feat for the Lopers, who achieved four top-four finishes in the regular season.

As Buhlke prepares to represent Central City on the national stage, the community back home will be cheering her on. Her dedication to athletics and academics has long been a point of pride for Central City High School, and her accomplishments as a Loper only continue to add to her impressive legacy. For those interested in following her race, the NCAA will air the championship event live on NCAA.com, providing an opportunity to witness Buhlke’s journey alongside the nation’s top collegiate cross-country talent.