Nov. 20, 2002

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State's men's and women's cross country team will compete in the 2002 NCAA Championship meet this Saturday in Ashland, Ohio. The men's race begins at 1:00 pm while the women will follow at 2:00 pm. Both teams earned bids to the national competition by winning the Great Lakes Regional meet two weeks ago. The women will run in the National meet for the third time in the last four years while men will compete at the championships for the first time since 1983. The women are ranked #3 in the nation, while the men are ranked #4 in the last national coaches poll.

Last year the women placed fifth at the NCAA National meet and will return five runners with championship experience this season. Sophomore Natalie Ewing and senior Shannon Antvelink both earned All-American honors in 2001 as they placed 22nd and 23rd, respectively. Also, running at nationals off of last year's squad are Mandi Long, Rebbecca Winters, and Jeannette Seckinger. Long was the top finisher for the Lakers at the Great Lakes Regional meet placing third. Freshman Kara Egan and sophomore Krista O'Dell fill out the roster for the women.

"Our women are excited about the opportunity to challenge for a national championship," said head coach Jerry Baltes. "This has been our focus all year and we are ready to try and get the job done."

The men were led by freshman Mark Terpstra in the Regional meet as he placed seventh. Tim Nichols has been solid all year and was GVSU's second finisher at the regional. The Lakers also have four seniors running, including Ben Watson, Dave Vandermeer, Dave Ross, and Kevin Blacquiere. Freshman Jeff Vyain will run in the last spot for the Lakers.

"The men are excited about making their first trip to nationals in a long time to prove that they are one of the teams in the nation," said Baltes.

For more information on nationals visit the NCAA DII Cross Country Championship site.