USM Cross Country runner Nick Haines competed in the NAIA National Cross Country Championships this past Saturday in Vancouver, Wash.
Nick finished 134th in a field of over 300 runners with a time of 26:03. Congratulations to Nick on a great season!
Two Spires Cross Country runners were also named as "Champions of Character" by the KCAC last week.
The winner from the men's team was Cameron Avilez.
The USM Women's Cross Country "Champions of Character" honoree was Emily Gripka.
"Emily and Cameron are the kind of student athletes that we want in our program," said David Dominguez, USM's cross country coach. "Emily puts in as much work in the classroom as she does on the course. And Cameron provides the kind of leadership we look for in our students."
For more info on USM Sports, go to:As with all USM sports, the cross country and track & field teams will compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Cross country got underway in Fall 2011. Track & field is a spring sport, and will get underway the following semester.
“We’ve heard a lot of interest in these programs from prospective and current students,” Coach Miller said. “This helps our athletic program grow, gives us the opportunity to expand our recruiting, and allows us to better serve and meet the demands of our student-athletes.”
For facilities, USM has an indoor track at Ryan Sports Center that could be used for indoor practices. The university will likely rent a facility from a neighboring public school for outdoor practices and meets.
