Welcome to St. Andrews Presbyterian College

November 19 , 2005

CHINO, CA—The St. Andrews Presbyterian College men’s cross country team competed in the programs first NCAA Division II National Championship on Saturday, finishing 24th in the 10,000-meter race at Prado Park in Chino, California (hosted by Cal Poly Pomona).

The Knights, who first made the trek ‘cross country’ on Wednesday, looked at the national tournament as a reward for an outstanding season that involved winning four races including the 2005 CVAC Championships and an opportunity to gain valuable experience for future years.

“The NCAA experience was incredible,” said fourth year Head Coach Gary Aycock. “It provided an awesome reward to the guy’s season-long commitment and hard work.”

On a sunny and hot day, Western State University won the national championship with 51 points, 57 markers ahead of runner-ups Adams State. Sophomore Nicodemus Naimadu, a Kenyan from Abilene Christian College, repeated as the individual national champion with an impressive 30:13 time.

St. Andrews, which was the youngest and smallest college in the race and only one of six private colleges in attendance, finished 24th place with 694 points.

Sophomore Chris Miller (Cedar Park, TX) led the Knights with a 135th place finish out of 182-runners with a time of 35:41. Freshman Mitch Cooper (Virginia Beach, VA) posted a time of 36:03 and sophomore Adam Vick (Salisbury, NC) finished in 37:30. Junior Tim Bourke (Alden, NY) crossed the finish line in 39:48 while Austin, Texas, natives Perry Morris and Travis Cansler clocked in at 40:22 and 43:00, respectively. Senior Devin Gillis (Wilmington, NC) will be able to say he finished his collegiate running in the national championships.

While in California, the eight student-athletes and three coaches of the Knights XC team were able to enjoy many sites and sounds that most eastern colleges of SAPC’s size will never get to experience.

“To relieve tension, we were able to go surfing in Huntington Beach, visit Hollywood, and meet with the Miss Fitness USA contestants in downtown Hollywood,” expressed Aycock.

The Knights will now gear up for next season and hopefully a return trip to nationals that will be held in Pensacola, Florida in 2006.