MADISON, Wisc. (11/17/18) -- University of Detroit Mercy senior harrier
Ben Kendell capped off his historic season by becoming the first ever male Titan to compete at the NCAA Division I Championships.
Not only did he become the first ever male Titan to compete at the Division I Championships, he also left his mark by setting the school record in the 10k with his time of 30:35.
His time of 30:35 earned him 95th overall, cracking the top 100 and placing himself in the record books yet again.
In the process, Kendell was able to get revenge on Purdue runner Jaret Carpenter, who narrowly edged him for the Regional crown.
He now sits in the record books alongside Kim Hemstreet as the only Titans to compete at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. Hemstreet finished 90th at the women's cross country championships in 2002.
Director of Track and Field and Cross Country
Guy Murray '89 stated, "Ben ran well in an NCAA championship that lived up to its billing as one of the toughest races in the world. The snow added a challenge and the field ran fast on a course that is not easy when dry. It is a memorable end to not only the best year in Titan Cross Country history but the best career."
Kendell earned the distinction of becoming the first Titan male harrier to qualify for the NCAA Division I Championships by placing second overall at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional.
His time of 31:11 at the Regional helped him place second overall and gave him the highest finish in the Horizon League since 2008, when Andy Baker placed second for Butler.
Additionally, Kendell finished with the highest place in a regional run by a Titan in school history.
Kendell will now rest up for a month or so before turning his attention towards the indoor track and field season.
Kendell's accolades this season include:
- Horizon League Athlete of the Year
- Horizon League Champion
- Horizon League All-Academic Team
- 95th at NCAA Division I Championships
- Runner-Up at NCAA Great Lakes Regional
- First place finishes at Canisius Alumni Classic, National Catholic Championships and Running Fit-Detroit Mercy Titans Invitational
- Broke school record in 8k at Greater Louisville Classic (23:54)
- Broke school record in 10k at NCAA Division I Championship (30:34)
- 2x HL Runner of the Week this season (9/11, 9/18)
