CHARLOTTE, N.C. – For the first time in program history, the Anderson University men's cross country team clinched a spot in the NCAA National Championships by finishing in third place with a total team time of 2:40:25.35 and a score of 93 in the 10k at the NCAA Southeast Regional at Wingate University.
"We have been working on this achievement for six years now since I started coaching here at Anderson University, so this is a huge day for our men to qualify for the NCAA National Meet" said coach Kevin Eagle. "Every runner that has come through this program up to this point contributed to making this happen. The men took control of the race from the gun and were able to hold position to claim third place. It was a total team effort, and I could not be prouder of what this group accomplished today."
All-SAC First Team runner Spain Vaughan led the way for the Trojans by finishing fifth individually with a mark of 31:28.91 in the 10k. Freshmen sensation Elliot Dotson returned for the Trojans this morning and made an impact by taking 16th at a pace of 31:59.59. Senior leader Daniel Similton came in third for the team, finishing at 32:11.80 close behind Dotson. Ty Nelson (32:14.92), Patrick Berlejung (32:30.15), Will Oglesby (32:38.10), and Jonathan Roberts (35:30.84) rounded things out for the Trojans.
The men were coming off a third-place finish in the SAC Championships with a team time of 2:11.43 and a score of 67 in the 8k. Spain Vaughan was selected to the All-SAC first team, with Will Oglesby earning second team honors. Daniel Similton, Patrick Berlejung, and Ty Nelson were named to the third team.
Wingate won the SAC as well as finishing in first place this morning to win the Southeast Regional with a team score of 28. Augusta, representing the Peach Belt Conference, came in second with 58 points.
The NCAA National Championships are set for Friday, December 2nd in Seattle, Washington. More information can be found at autrojans.com as the meet approaches.
