MADISON, Wisc. (11/11/2016) – Junior
Ben Kendell made a run for All-Region honors, and the veterans led the way as the University of Detroit Mercy men's cross country team took part in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship on Friday.
The 10k race was held at the University of Wisconsin's Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course.
As a team, the Titans totaled 684 points for 24th.
"The regional is quite a challenge and unique that everyone is competing for and has a chance at going to the NCAA Championship," said Director of Track and Field and Cross Country
Guy Murray '89. "It is the most competitive meet our student-athletes face."
Kendell finished in 35th place for the second-straight year with career-low 31:26, eclipsing his personal record by eight seconds that he had at last year's regional meet. He was just 19 seconds shy of earning All-Region accolades.
The 35th-place effort did give him three top-100 finishes in his career at the GLR, just the fourth Titan in school history to have at least three top-100 runs at a regional championship behind Ken Dubois, Chris McPhee and Pat Liederbach.
"While we are disappointed, Ben had another impressive run," said Murray. "He put himself in a position to qualify in the lead pack at the 5k, but struggled with stomach distress from that point and still ran a PR. This race allows no room not to be at 100-percent and we thought his cold had cleared, but not quite."
Senior
Austin Wigent had one of his best runs on the year to close his cross country career. Wigent clocked a 33:39 time for 148th and became just the 22nd harrier in school history to compete in four NCAA regional championships.
Junior
Charlie Felton claimed 154th in 33:47, while freshman
Adam Fraeyman took 171st in 34:09. Freshman
Scott Smith placed 176th overall in 34:18 and junior
Greg Ingle crossed the finish line in 34:30 for 182nd.
"Overall, the race was okay for the men. It was a positive year as the veterans stepped forward and set a nice path for a rookie class with good potential," added coach Murray.
The race was the final of the year for the Titans as the distance runners will now get ready for the indoor and outdoor track and field campaigns.
TITAN FINISH
Team – 24th – 684 Points
Ben Kendell – 35th – 31:26
Austin Wigent – 148th – 33:39
Charlie Felton – 154th – 33:47
Adam Fraeyman – 171st – 34:09
Scott Smith – 176th – 34:18
Greg Ingle – 182nd – 34:30
