ROCHESTER, NY -- The men's cross country team traveled to Rochester, NY to compete in the NCAA Niagara Regional Championships, hosted by RIT. The top 7 runners from every regional team are invited to compete for a chance to qualify for the NCAA Championships. The course was in good shape and temperature in the low 40s, and clear. The men got off to a steady start, in a fast race. After 1,000m, the Highlanders sat in 12th place. By 2,000m, they'd moved into 9th, and by 3,000m they'd sit around 7th and hold. They'd finish just 7 points behind conference rival Utica, for 6th place. This is the highest that Houghton has finished in regional championship competition. Last year, they cracked the top 10 for the first time, finishing in 10th. 

Senior Amos Bixler put himself right in the mix of the best in the region. He would finish in 8th place and be the first male athlete from Houghton to qualify for an NCAA Championship. Ben Allen would cross the line next in 27th place, just 7 spots out of NCAA qualifying, and receiving all-region honors. 

RESULTS

Coach Hager commented after the race, "These men brought a lot of fire and purpose all season. We'd been ranked around 8th in the reason all season, and we made it our goal to get 7th, which was achievable. I can't say enough about seniors Amos Bixler and Ben Allen leading the way all year. These are just a couple of guys with strong purpose, great accountability, and the clear leaders of our team. Their legacy is strong. Amos punching his ticket for the NCAA Championships is not only historic, but incredibly well-deserved. This kid is as steady as they come, and so fun to watch compete."