A ranked team in Montana

I thought I’d never see it in Helena, Mont., where I live: A nationally ranked collegiate running program.
But I went out to our public golf course and watched the formerly No. 25 (NAIA) Carroll women easily best the in-state field. (Somehow they got knocked to 26th in the following week.)
Montana State-Billings is the only D2 program in the state, although they aren’t ranked in the West Region.

Malone makes the cut for D2

It didn't happen last year, but Malone (Ohio) will be eligible for a D2 title in three year's time. An expect one within the decade, as the men's team has won the last three cross country titles. (The women won in 1999.)

Also moving up is a proud Black Hills State (S.D.), men's runners up in 2003 and 2007 and women's runner up in 2005. (Will Augustana remain the top team in the state? Black Hills State will add more depth to the already super-deep Central Region.)

Lindenwood (Mo.), McKendree (Ill.) and Walsh (Ohio) will also add quality to D2. Other schools invited up include California Baptist, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and Ursuline.

Let's hope the oft-spurned NAIA doesn't follow through with a threat to prevent would-be D2 members from winning national championships. And remember, powerhouse Simon Fraser is only two years away from winning a women's cross title. And that would take place in Joplin, Mo, right?

NAIA indoors: Women better watch out for Simon Fraser

A glimpse at the NAIA national indoor meet results from Johnson City, Tenn., give a glimpse at the future of D2 track. And it's about to get more competitive, especially for women.

Simon Fraser was the most notable (from a track & field perspective) to gain entry into NCAA II. Although not eligible for a national title in 2012, my guess is they'll get a women's title within the first four years.

The Simon Fraser women swept the indoor 4x800 relay and the distance medley relay, en route third place -- and nearly a win. At least a pair of those relay runners might be running in two years' time.

On the men's side, Simon Fraser put three in the 3,000 meter final.

Indoors nationals begin

The 2009 mens indoor nats in Houston appear to be a race between three types of teams: distance-heavy (Adams St.), sprints- and field event-heavy (St. Augustine's), and all-around strength (Abilene Christian).
It's interesting how the Adams State sports information staff spells out the match-up by identifying "scoring opportunities," which is the number of events your athlete is in. St. Augustine's and ACU have one more scoring opportunity than Adams St.
I remember the old days in the NAIA, which was loaded with distance events: 800, 1000, one mile, 2 mile, 3 mile, DMR, sprint medley....Our 1991 title included only points from the high jump. But without those, we would've been second.