UMO men punch ticket to 5th straight NCAA Division II XC championships

By UMO Media Relations
Published in Sports on November 9, 2015 1:48 PM

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UMO Media Relations

WINGATE -- University of Mount Olive is headed to the NCAA Division II men's cross country championships for the fifth consecutive year.

Jonathan Dahlke placed fourth individuallly and teammate Adam Craig secured sixth place as the Trojans claimed the Southeast Regional championship contested on a muddy, puddle-filled 10k course at Wingate University. Dahlke, Craig, Michael Munoz, Fredric Lang and Jacob Urys each earned a spot on the all-Southeast Region squad.

Senior Aki Kitigawa returned to competition after withdrawing from the season-ending Conference Carolinas meet due to a previous injury. Kitigawa crossed the finish line 27th overall, just missing all-Southeast Region accolades by two spots. Kitigawa and Munoz are not only four-time Conference Carolinas champions, but have the distinction of competing in four consecutive NCAA national championships during their respective UMO careers.

The Trojans compiled 52 points -- 37 less than runner-up Mars Hill and 52 less than third-place Queens University of Charlotte. Mars Hill and Queens also qualified for the national finals, which will be held Nov. 21 in Joplin, Mo.

On the women's side, Bailee Henry placed 28th overall and helped the Trojans conclude their season with a sixth-place team finish in the regional. Kelsey Valentine (34th), Paulina Kremling (48th), Julia Bridges (87th), Emily Shaw (110th) and Mireia Sune (139th) rounded out the team scoring.