Men's cross country headed back to nationals

The nationally ranked Heidelberg College men’s cross country team has earned an at-large bid to the 2007 NCAA Division III Men’s Cross Country Championships scheduled for Nov. 17 in Northfield, Minn. St. Olaf College is the host institution of the championships which will be run at the Skolglund Athletic Fields. The Berg is one of 32 teams in all of Division III that have been given the opportunity to showcase their talent at the national level. Overall 16 teams earned an automatic bid after placing in the top two at their respective regional, while the final 16 teams are at-large selections.

Heidelberg, under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Kevin Lucas, will be making its second-consecutive appearance at the championships and fifth overall. The Berg made a trip to the national championships in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2006. This year Heidelberg placed fourth at the Great Lakes Regional behind 2006 National Champion Calvin College, Ohio Northern University and Anderson College.

For the entire year, Heidelberg has ranked in to top 35 in the nation according to the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association and currently sits at No. 23. In its last appearance at nationals, Heidelberg finished 20th, improving on its ranking of 25 heading into the race and was the highest placing OAC school.

 
Posted November 10, 2007