October 30, 2004
Cross Country
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SYCAMORE MEN EARN CO-CHAMPIONSHIP; McNICHOLS NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Indiana State men’s cross country team earned a share of the 2004 Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championship on Saturday (Oct. 30). The Sycamores and host Southern Illinois Salukis each earned 48 points to share the team championship. It is ISU’s third MVC Championship under head coach John McNichols, as the Sycamores took the crown in 1996 and 1998. In addition to the team championship, McNichols was named the 2004 MVC Men’s Coach of the Year. It is the third time he has garnered coach of the year honors, after earning the award in 1996 and 1998.
   “Our guys did a great job today,” said McNichols. “Up until the last 500 yards of the race Southern Illinois was ahead, but our guys really improved their position at the end and made it a sprint at the finish.” Aaron Harding led the charge for the Sycamores, crossing the finish line in 25:29.16.
   Teammates Jordan Fife and Sean Bowman followed closely behind, as Fife posted a time of 25:58.14 which was good for seventh place. Bowman came across in eighth place with a time of 25:59.33. “Fife and Bowman were able to move into the top group and break up a pack of SIU runners,” noted McNichols. Senior Dustin Strosnider continued the Sycamores’ charge, finishing twelfth with a time of 26:21.79. Blaine Zimmerman completed the 8k course in 26:41.97, which was good for 18th place. “Zimmerman passed the SMS runner (Tony Davis) at the chute and picked up an extra spot which was key for our overall score,” said McNichols.
   The Sycamores’ top five runners finished within the top 18, but ISU’s other runners followed closely behind, as David Santelik finished 27th, while Seth Aydt was 32nd in a field of 73. Drake’s Bobby Anderson earned the individual championships, finishing in 25:03. Harding, Fife, and Bowman earned all-conference honors as a result of finishing in the top ten, giving the Sycamores their first all-league performers since the 2001 season. ISU now has 27 all-conference selections since 1985.
   Indiana State returns to action on Saturday, November 13, when the Sycamores travel to Ypsilanti, Mich., to take part in the 2004 Great Lakes Regional Meet.