The Virginia men's cross country team's season is not over yet. Yesterday, the men learned that they had received one of 13 at-large bids to compete in the NCAA Championships Nov. 24 at the University of Northern Iowa.
Coach Jason Dunn envisioned a three-to-five year plan to take the program to nationals and now, in his fourth year, that goal has come to fruition.
"We were crossing our fingers" to receive a bid, senior Walt Kingsberry said. "This really means a lot to our program to reach this next level."
The women's team, however, did not receive an invitation to participate in this year's title race, snapping a two-year streak of appearances for the squad. The women finished in 20th place nationally last season and in ninth place in 2001.
The women did not have any of their runners selected to compete at-large for the national individual crown.
"I thought Jane Maxwell might have had a chance at one of the two individual at-large bids," Dunn said.
Virginia sent both of its cross country teams to the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships this past weekend. The men finished in fourth place out of 23 competing squads, behind N.C. State, Kentucky and William & Mary.
Junior Will Christian was the Cavaliers' top finisher, crossing the line in seventh. Kingsberry trailed closely behind in 13th. Both were named All-Regional -- an honor given to the top 25 harriers. Juniors Ryan Neuhart and Dave Vitto and senior Andy Filachek narrowly missed the cut-off, finishing in 26th, 27th and 30th.
With the top five runners all contributing to the team score, this depth will give the Cavaliers a chance at placing high come nationals.
"Sometimes getting [to nationals] is the hardest part," Dunn said. Our depth "certainly helps us as long as all five of our guys have another good race."
Kingsberry said he is optimistic about the team's chances.
Our depth "bodes well for our team where you've got a race like nationals with 255 runners," he said. "If our pack can finish in the middle, I think we can place in the top-15."
The women scored eighth place out of 26 teams. Senior Jane Maxwell was Virginia's sole All-Regional runner, placing 14th. Freshman Angie Staterstad ran Virginia's next best time, snagging 37th.
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