Top five moments of the 2010 D2 cross country season

Late summer, Indianapolis, Ind.: The NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement unwittingly had a role in the outcome of the 2010 NCAA Division II championships. In July, the committee granted Luke Cragg (Adams State) an extra year of cross and outdoors for seasons missed in 2006 and 2008 due to injury. The Leeds, England, product would finish 11th in Louisville as third man for the Grizzlies. Less than one second later, Craig Huffer would finish as ASC’s fourth man. Huffer, a much-heralded international performer of Australia, also had his NCAA amateur status restored by the committee in late summer. Without the duo, Adams would’ve (theoretically) barely won in Louisville, 94-95 over Western State.
Sept. 18, Carlisle, Penn.: She won indoor and outdoor titles earlier this year, but Neeley Spence (Shippensburg) only finished 43rd last year in Evansville. She won easily on this day at the Dickson College Invite, which turned out to be the first step toward a resounding victory in Louisville. As she recounted to Running Times, her dad and coach yelled as she neared the finish line in Louisville “to enjoy this, remember last year and enjoy it....I was so happy to be able to do that, because last year showed you can’t take anything for granted.” And she’s got one more year.
Oct. 2, Louisville, Ky.: Grand Valley State women race at Tom E. Sawyer State Park for the first time in 2010. Two more trips would follow, culminating in a first-ever school national championship. Credit should go to coach Jerry Baltes for allowing his team to get acquainted with the mostly flat course. And when the snow fell at nats in December, the squad rushed to the front and controlled the outcome.
Oct. 15, Charlotte, N.Car.: For the second time, Michael Crouch (Queens) was surprised by a D2 runner, the previously overshadowed Meshack Koyiacki (Columbus State). And while the first loss came in Louisville, this one came on Crouch’s home course. Koyiacki would win a third head-to-head meeting at regionals, but Crouch wisely used the longer-than-normal run-up to nationals to retool his kick. In the slush at Louisville, the pair entered the finish straight together, but the Queens man powered away for a shrewd win.
Nov. 7, Easton, Mass.: I’m not sure when he quit a part-time job to focus more on running, but this is when the D2 world first had an inkling of the most-inspiring individual performer of 2010. In two weeks, he would would win the East Regional and stun a national title contender -- Glarius Rop (American International). In a month, he would dictate the men’s race in Louisville, eventually finishing third. But on Nov. 7, Jeff Veiga (Mass.-Lowell) got within 8 seconds of Rop, nearly running him down. Coach Gary Gardner called Veiga’s run that day “unbelieveable.” A stunned Gardner would repeat those words again and again. “He had ultimate confidence,” Gardner told the Lowell Eagle-Tribune after nationals. “Since last March, Jeff did a lot of work. He really dedicated himself to this season.” Does that motivate ya’?

(Photo credit: University of Massachusetts-Lowell)

Other things noticed at Louisville: Chico's Chavez a future champ?

Lots of interesting info in the final results. Here's a few I have noticed (please add your own):

• Ex-national champ Daniel Kirwa (Harding) certainly struggled in the conditions, mustering only a 42nd place. Glarius Rop (American International) also didn't like the slop -- he finished 23rd. Apologies for the rhyme.
• Is Issac Chavez (Chico State, pictured) a future champ? The freshman was fifth. Yes, yes, I'm already looking toward next year. ('Cause I'll be there in Spokane.)
• Augustana and Shippensburg had the most-unexpected men's team finishes. Augie's finish ensures six Central region men's qualifiers in 2011.
• Michael Crouch (Queens) talked about timing his kick better for his fourth matchup against Meshack Koyiacki. Impeccable timing, I'd say, and great prep work.
• Ferris State is in Michigan. (That's an acknowledgement of completely underestimating their women's team, which finished eighth.)
• The Grand Valley women certainly seemed in control early. And that was apparently by design. “As much as the men chewed up the course, we thought it was imperative to establish position out front because I thought it was going to be really, really hard to maneuver through a crowd as muddy and sloppy and slippery as it got,” coach Jerry Baltes told NCAA.com.
• Western State's David Flynn might not be done with cross this season. The soph was named top alternate to Ireland's under-23 team for worlds. Flynn was 40th in Louisville.
• 37 national cross titles for Adams State now. 37! The men made it look easy. And the women rallied from a slow start to a strong third, nearly nabbing their Western State rivals. Long live the ASC-WSC rivalry!

Championship Day: Adams, Crouch; Grand Valley, Spence

8:11 a.m. (MST): Well, 80 percent chance of snow or rain. That could make things interesting. In other news, can you believe that the Grand Valley State women's soccer team also made the final game? They play this afternoon. It would be some day if they won a couple of championships. That might actually remind the school they are more than a football school.

8:29 a.m.: Nice interview on Flotrack with Queens coach Scott Simmons. He says it's "all coming together" for his team. His top runner, Michael Crouch, expects a team finish between fifth and seventh and, perhaps, a win for himself. Sounds like he worked on his finish.

8:40 a.m.: A team reports says "snowy and slushy." 20 minutes until the gun.

9:35 a.m.: In about two inches of snow, Adams State has won its third straight national championship. Appears that Western State was second, just ahead of Grand Valley State. (The 1990 hat worked!) Individually, Michael Crouch (Queens) turned the tables on Meshack Koyiacki (Columbus State), as the two duked it out for the fourth time this season. Crouch wins this one! While he ran a great race, Mass.-Lowell's Jeff Veiga made this race, going out early and finishing with the leaders. Inspiring.

9:41 a.m.: Also inspiring, Brandon Birdsong (Adams State). A top-six finish for a guy I would've picked to be perhaps top 20. That's also inspired racing. You know who wasn't particularly inspired? Unfortunately, Amos Sang (Abilene Christian). Would've been interesting to see him leg it out at the line. ACU doesn't do well in snow, though.

9:51 a.m.: Time now for the women's race. This outcome is perhaps a little more uncertain than the men's. Judging from how the men race in a tight pack for a large portion of the race, that tendency could make for a very fluid situation in the women's.

10:32 a.m.: Grand Valley State wins its first-ever D2 title -- and it wasn't even close. The Lakers put seven in from of Western State's and Adams State's fourth runner. Those schools had won every (mostly Adams) title since entering D2 in 1992. Congrats to Jerry Baltes and the Lakers! Neeley Spence (Shippensburg) survived an early challenge from Sarah Porter (Seattle PacificWestern Washington), to easily win the women's race. A first title for Spence, she's just a junior. That's it for now -- back to life. But much more analysis to come...

The Personalities: One tough Alaskan, Duluthian and other sorts

As you can tell from this blog, I believe a team championship is the more important part of the cross country championships. But, it is an individual effort, of course, so those outstanding few at the head of the race can’t be ignored.
While I suspect the men’s race will come down to a few individuals (like Amos Sang of Abilene Christian, Daniel Kirwa of Harding, Glarius Rop of American International, Michael Crouch of Queens and Neeley Spence of Shippensburg...well, just Neeley), I have to admit I’ll be watching the progress of these individuals.
Men
Meshack Koyiacki (Columbus State): There is something compelling about a guy who goes runs a 3:48 (metric mile) six months ago to repeatedly beating perhaps the best talent in D2 today (Crouch). And he does it at a school certainly not known for running. I’ll be interested to see if Coach J.D. Evilsizer’s preparation and Meschack’s obvious mental tenacity produce a national championship. That would be something.
Jake Parisien (Alaska-Anchorage): Sure, Anchorage has a lot of Rift Valley (or thereabouts) talent, but I’d argue the heart and soul of that team is homegrown Alaskan Parisien. 17th in 2008, he held himself out last year. Two weeks ago at the West Regionals, he fell twice, but rallied to finish seventh. This kid is tough. Coach Micheal Friess knows he has a good one. "Our Alaskans definitely feel like they are better runners and better performers because of our international athletes,” he told the Anchorage Daily News.
Jeff Veiga (Mass.-Lowell): Who is this guy? I mean really? The junior has a pedestrian 5K PR of 14:58 -- and then crushes a guy who nearly won the title in Evansville last year (Rop)? He’s a true local to boot, graduating from Lowell High. I love this guy's story. If Mass.-Lowell is going to make a run at some hardware, Veiga will again have to amaze.
Adam Volkert (Pittsburg State): He’s from Lee’s Summit (home of Mark Curp, I believe, a 1980s badass runner) had a quiet career for the Gorillas. Until now. He was one minute behind South Central regional winner Sang, but the promise he has showed this season bodes well for an All-American finish. He’s a sophomore, so he has time to develop. To me, he embodies the best of collegiate running -- far exceeding your high school performances and perhaps your own expectations.
Women
Megan Maceratini (Grand Valley State): After leading the Lakers all season last fall, she finished a distant 156th in Evansville (sick? injured? bad luck?). And her team barely lost to Adams State. That experience might crush a lesser athlete, but Maceratini appears to have ignored it and has again led the team in 2010. The senior has run outstanding times on the track and has achieved All America status twice. Again, as Maceratini goes, so goes Grand Valley State.
Morgan Place (Minnesota-Duluth): As a former resident of Duluth, I’m familiar with the Bulldogs cross country and track program. Disappointingly, her team didn’t qualify for the big show this fall. Place has been a stalwart on that team and has a garish total of 7 All America performances. Her worst finish at cross nationals is seventh. She has won 19 of 26 collegiate races. Can she beat Spence?
Alexis Skarda (Mesa State): It might be easy to be overlooked if you don’t run for one of the powerhouse D2 programs that comprise the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. But the Boulder native has made herself know, becoming the school’s first-ever All-American.
I admit I’ll be closely watching the progress of 14 certain runners from Adams State, too...

Fan Gear: 1990 or 2010?

I'll be sporting some alma mater gear this Saturday. The question is: Which is bound to bring better luck, the 1990-vintage cap, featuring the windshield-sized front, or the sleek, 2010 version? (I won't burden you with an image of moi in my old jersey.) The 1990 cap brings back those fond memories of a fleeting youth. The 2010 cap would fit into any crowd, but is it worth it being anonymous, if you're a true fan?

The Favorites: Adams, Western, Grand Valley

In my mind, there are three tiers in the men's and women's NCAA II championship field. Here's how I see it:

The Contenders
Men: Adams State, Western State and Grand Valley State. I really don't know how you beat this Adams State team. After losing three top runners last year, coach Damon Martin reloaded and developed talent (see Calmes, Keegan and Huffer, Craig). If anyone can pull the upset, it's Western State. They love to beat Adams and won't quit trying to do so until they're in the finishing chute. Grand Valley State will either astound us or leave us wanting. Coach Jerry Baltes is so close to a best-ever finish, the ex-D1 runner might be tempted to don a singlet and toe the line himself. Adams State wins its third straight and 19th overall (NAIA and NCAA).
Women: Adams State, Western State and Grand Valley State. Gee, sound familiar? This race is not clear cut. Western upset Adams at conference; Adams returned the favor two weeks later. Adams thrives when they're not the favorites (see "Evansville, 2009"). But will Grand Valley run away with it? A narrow loss last year should provide plenty of motivation. Led by Megan Maceratini, Grand Valley State wins its first-ever D2 cross title Saturday.

The Elite Eight

Men: Why is finishing in the top eight important? Because it gives your region an additional spot at the next year's nationals -- which might benefit your team. So, in addition to two teams from The Contenders pool, I expect Colorado Mines, Alaska-Anchorage, Chico State, Queens, Lock Haven and Mass.-Lowell to finish well. Of these teams, I would be least surprised if coach Michael Freiss' Anchorage nosed up into a top three spot. Can you believe the school's best-ever finish is 11th? Won't be after this weekend.

Women: Shippensburg, Pittsburg State, Alaska-Anchorage, Chico State, Tampa and Augustana. Shippensburg could be a top three team.

The Field

Well, this is everybody else. Make no mistake: Qualifying for nationals isn't easy. 253 men's and womens teams try, but only 24 each succeed. For some, qualifying is the ultimate prize. But there are a few teams I could see rising out of the pack, finishing well, and -- who knows? -- creating a future D2 cross power. This could be teams like Bellarmine, Drury or Western Oregon. Alaska-Anchorage and Colorado Mines have certainly "arrived."

Championship week

It's championship week -- the biggest in D2-land -- but you wouldn't exactly know it by reading this blog. (Blame it on a verrrrrry slow innanet connection over Thanksgiving.) Here's what I've got in mind for coverage:

• The Favorites: I'll break down men's and women's teams into three categories: Title contenders, Elite Eight and The Field.
• The Personalities: I'll profile a few of the more interesting individual runners in this year's field -- and not necessarily the favorites.
• The Race: Any last-minute race info and (nearly) immediate post-race analysis.

The fun starts Saturday morning!

The big news from Charlotte

After two days of great racing and some wild weather, the 2010 national championships are in the book. Here's what I learned:

1. Amos Sang (Abilene Christian) was the meet's top distance performer (especially with Jessica Pixler's no-show in the 800). After his surprise win in the 10,000 over defending champ Daniel Kirwa (Harding), he ran down a Prefontaine-esque effort by Michael Crouch (Queens) in the 5,000 with a Viren-esque response of his own. Crouch is to be lauded for his effort, ramping up the pace in the final mile, including 4:12 for the final four laps and a 57-second for the last lap. And yet Sang got him in the final 50. Sang is to be congratulated -- it turns out the ACU sports information department was right!

2. What Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference team won the most individual men's titles? You'd be forgiven for guessing Adams State or Western State. But Colorado Mines took two titles home -- the 800 courtesy of Mark Husted and the 1,500 thanks to Mack McLain -- and in fine fashion. Husted desposed d2 half-mile king Anthony Luna (Metro State), his rival from across the Denver metro, and other conference foes. Mines still might not have the depth to compete against ASC or WSC in 'cross....but now that I've said that, I've set the stage for them to prove me wrong.

3. A national record is a big deal, even in an event without a long history like the women's steeple. But Alicia Nelson's effort not only won Adams State a national title, but the freshman's time puts her close to the top 10 for any collegian and the second-fastest D2er ever. (Add that to nation-leading Reuben Mwei, and you've got quite a pair of hurdlers in Alamosa.) Nelson is poised to be the "next" Pixler.

Other than some competitors at USATF nationals in Des Moines, that's a wrap on the outdoors season. Anyone ready for 'cross?

A different Day 3

I assume it was the weather (I'll check), but day 2 at Charlotte was pretty much nixed. Also were rounds in the 800 and 5,000. I assume this means bigger fields for the longer distance, and timed sections in the shorter. A big 5,000 field probably doesn't mean much, assuming everyone keeps their feet at the start. But timed sections will make for some crazy results in the half mile. It definitely the fast runners, not the fast finishers. I still like Jessica Pixler (Seattle Pacific) and Anthony Luna (Metro State) 'cuz they're fast.

About that 10,000

I wrote it but didn't post it! Somehome my 10,000 picks went missing. As far as I can remember, I had Kirwa, Sang and Cragg for the men, and Zeferjahn, Nedlo and Tyler. So one winner and four of six placers, not bad.

Hats off the Amos Sang (Abilene Christian), who reminds everyone that ACU is a D2 distance force. And one wonders if the loss will inspire hard-to-beat Daniel Kirwa (Harding).

Queens' Tanya Zeferjahn's and Megan Nedlo's 1-3 had to be a popular finish. Congrats to all.

Heats: Few surprises there, although I was bummed to see late qualifier Carl Arnold III (Metro State) not make it through the 1,500 round.

Precious little from the local media (excepting a mention of Zeferjahn's win), but the Charlotte Observer had this nice photo gallery.

The Abilene Christian sports info folks called Sang's win an "upset," (I'll buy that), and labelled him "favorite" in the 5,000. If the 10k is any indication, they know more than I about that 5k field!

A final word before the starting gun

First, good luck to all runners in Charlotte. Enjoy yourselves -- at least afterwards. Competing in a national championship meet is an honor that sometimes gets lost in the nervousness and expectations.

And to those of you lucky enough to be there, have fun. If you're like me, watching others run brings back familiar, stomach-tightening feelings.

I'll follow up with my top-three predictions (which were posted in order of when the final is run) during and after the meet. Strangely, I'll be on the road yet again this year, filing remotely from South Dakota and Iowa. I hope to make it to Kentucky this fall, but that's a fur piece from here in Montucky.

I look forward to reading your insights. Live results will be available here.

5000: Crouch and Spence

I suspect Micheal Crouch (Queens) will be plenty motivated in Charlotte. With Daniel Kirwa (Harding), Reuben Mwei (Adams State) and Amos Sang (Abilene Christian) in the field, he's not a clear-cut favorite. I'm trusting that the lightly raced Crouch will be peaking correctly: 1. Crouch, 2. Mwei, 3. Marko Cheseto (Alaska-Anchorage).

Is there reason to believe Neely Spence (Shippensburg) won't dominate outdoors in this event like indoors? Not really. And that leaves Monica Kinney (Grand Valley State) in second, and Tanya Zeferjahn (Queens) in third.

800m: Pixler (again) and Luna

I know Jessica Pixler (Seattle Pacific) will win, and indoor champ Anja Puc (Nebraska-Omaha) will finish second. Although I'm less certain, for third I'm taking Andria Nussey (Angelo State). Amazingly, she'll also compete in the long jump at Charlotte.

Anthony Luna (Metro State) disappeared this winter, but returned with a vengeance this spring. Will he win again? Yep. I'll take indoor champ and old warrior Denise Mokaya (Mankato State) for second. For third, why not mile relay man Daniel Anderson (UC-San Diego)? This event is a crapshoot (see "Mwangi, Nelson"), so not much would surprise me.

1500: Pixler and Graham

I know there are some doubters about Andrew Graham (Adams State). But I'll take him to win. It's before the 800m final, he can make it fast over the first three laps or scoot in the final 300. Granted, there are no obvious favorites. Micheal Wickman (Chico State) is experienced, and I like him for second. That puts rolleur Ryan McNiff (Adams State) as my third-placer, as he focuses solely on that event.

When Jessica Pixler (Seattle Pacific) graduates, I'll have to think harder about this event. Not this year. She'll lead teammate Jane Larson over the line. I like Michelle SanCartier (Minnesota-Duluth) for third; she ran fast times at low-key meets, after running three relay legs at Drake. Mary Dell (Shippensburg) must recover a steeplechase before this final.

Steeplechase: Adams Staters will win both races

Men: This is easy. Reuben Mwei (Adams State) -- the sixth-fastest D2er ever -- will win his thirdsecond steeplechase title. I like Grand Valley State's Tyler Emmorey's finishing speed to carry him to second. For third, I'll take consistent Micah Chelimo (Alaska-Anchorage). Western State will have four in the final, and perhaps one in the top three.

Women: Well, this won't be easy. Mary Ballinger (Southern Indiana) returns to defend her title. But freshman Alicia Nelson (Adams State) has been consistently faster, including at Mt. SAC. Megan Rolland (Humboldt State) was better there, too. Mary Dell (Shippensburg) has 2:12 (800m) speed. Cassie Mitchell (Adams State) clocked a 2:14 (adjusted). In light of all that, I'll take: 1. Nelson; 2. Dell; 3. Ballinger.

Four storylines for Charlotte

The studs: Jessica Pixler (Seattle Pacific) in the 800 and 1,500; Reuben Mwei (Adams State) in the steeple and 5,000; and Daniel Kirwa (Harding) in the 5,000 and 10,000. These three will win at least four national titles between them. Little surprise that poll voters picked the men's 5k as the "race to watch." Throw in Micheal Crouch (Queens) and it could be special.

The Home Team: Queens won't be on campus, but they'll be a 15-minute drive from the track at Johnson C. Smith University. That could produce some local national champions (Johnson C. Smith has a shot in the relays). Don't be surprised if Crouch, Tanya Zeferjahn (5k and 10k), Meagan Nedlo (5k and 10k) or Simon Stuetzel (1,500) win.

The Last Lap: The men's 5,000 isn't the only event likely to come down to the last lap. The men's 1,500 is wide open, with fast finishers Micheal Graham (Adams State) and Michael Wickman (Chico State). Anthony Luna (Metro State) will ensure a hectic finish in the 800. Will Zeferjahn rise up against Neely Spence (Shippensburg)? Could the entire field be together on the last lap of the women's steeple?

The Schedule: Isn't my favorite. After opening night 10k finals Thursday, there's nothing until Saturday, excepting prelims. Mwei has a tough double. Good thing he's plenty tough.

First glimpse at Charlotte championship fields

Hot off the World Wide Web, the NCAA national committee (or subcommittee) has announced the championship fields for next week's championships in Charlotte.

At first glance, the (sub)committee was a little more generous on the women's side, taking 19 in the 800, 1,500 and 5,000 and 18 in the steeple and 10k. (Last year in San Angelo saw one bigger field, as 20 advanced in the 5,000.) They reached deep, too: Sofia Monroe (Adams State) was 32nd on the 1,500 performance list.

The men have three fields of 17 and two of (the minimum) 16. Iain Donnan -- finalist indoors and Western State's top finisher in Evansville -- won't be in Charlotte. Neither will indoors half-mile runner-up Nelson Mwangi (Queens).

Looks like more men than women will be doubling in Charlotte. It would be interesting how the (sub)committee arrived at its field sizes...

Selection Wednesday

Although the NCAA handbook doesn't say it, championships fields will be posted at noon (EDT) Wednesday.

I am anxious to see if the national committee (which includes D2 subcommittee members from St. Augustine's, Minnesota State-Moorhead, Adelphi, Central Mizzou, Grand Valley State, Clayton State, Florida Southern and Cal State-Stanislaus) picks any athletes on the fence.

Specifically I'm wondering about the fate of Iain Donnan (Western State) in the 5,000. ; Tim Guerin (Mass.-Lowell) in the steeple; and Alexis Skarda (Mesa State), also in the 5k. All are quality performers -- however all are 17th in the declared performance list.

(Guerin and Skarda have auto qualifiers. I forgot what the heck I was doing for a bit. In fact, there will be 22 in the women's 5k, including Ms. Skarda.)

The NCAA handbook calls for a minimum of 16 athletes per event. The committee also gets some wiggle room to include more if: a) an athlete has qualified already in another event, b) the championships field hasn't exceeded 310 per gender.

Last chance meet of the week: UWL Eagle Open qualifies four in 800

Last-ditch efforts might not produce future national champions or All-Americans, but it's exciting to watch motivated athletes succeed. Some "unknown" names will now be toeing the line in Charlotte.

At Wisconsin-La Crosse, two Northern Sun athletes recorded only the third and fourth 800 auto qualifying times. Previously unknown Aduo Omot (Augustana, S.D.) nipped indoor champ Denise Mokaya (Mankato State), as both got under 1:50. Dan Allen (St. Cloud State) and Brian Werner (Augustana) also ran fast enough to book a trip to Charlotte. Awesome race.

Elsewhere:

• At Georgia Tech, Harding's Daniel Kirwa erased all doubts about his tenuous position on the 5,000 list, becoming only the sixth d2er to break 14 minutes.
• At Colorado Mines, Adams State freshman Keegan Calmes and Carl Arnold IIIBrian Allen (the 3rd, of Metro State), ran coverted times good enough to land them fourth and fifth on the performance list.
• Gutsy efforts from Jen Harpp (Slippery Rock) and Tina Yi (Edinboro), as earned each auto 10k times in their conference meet. (That ain't easy.)
• In Louisville, Southern Indiana's Michael Jordan and Bellarmine's Nate Dotterweich nearly each broke 9 minutes in the steeple. They'll join d2's arguably deepest field -- can you believe 9:08 won't go?

Today is "selection Monday." Check back for analysis of that (and let me know of any interesting coaches' "challenges"). Form charts to follow.

ABQ: About that altitude

According to our unscientific poll, readers of d2cross felt that staging nationals in Albuquerque unfairly favored those that trained at altitude. (For the record, 70 percent felt that way.)

Meet results give an inconclusive -- even contradictory -- picture.

One cannot ignore the fact that Adams State swept the top five places in the mile and five of the top six places in the 5,000. They won the distance medley relay to boot. Notable non-altitude performers included Amos Sang (Abilene Christian) and Missouri Southern's DMR squad.

On the women's side, "sea-level" runners won each and every title. In fact, the most notable altitude performers were Adams State in the DMR (third) or Alexis Skarda (Mesa State) in the mile (fourth). And in the 5,000, where one might argue that the effects of altitude would be most pronounced, the best altitude finisher was seventh.

The predominant theme of Albuquerque, as far as the distance events go, was that the favorites took the top spots.