[Results]
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Chris Reed of the Western Oregon University cross country team placed 35th at the Cross Country National Championships to earn the program's first All-American honor in Division II history, Saturday, Nov. 21.
Reed's time of 32:28.5 on the 10k course placed him second among all Great Northwest Athletic Conference men's individuals and third among the west region competitors. It also put him in the top 40 at the meet which is the requirement for All-American status.
"This is validation of what is a very deserving team and the work Chris has done," said Western Oregon head coach Mike Johnson. "He is just our first of what we hope will be many All-Americans in the future of this program."
The All-American honors were not easily acquired by Reed as he had to make up ground in the final 3k. Reed was running in 46th place as entered the final 3,000-meters the up-and-down University of Southern Indiana cross country course when he made his push to 35th place and All-American status.
"The biggest factor was knowing the course and running correctly based on that position," said Wolves' assistant coach Jerret Mantalas. "Chris responded to the challenge in the final 3k and hunkered down to pick off 11 guys and become an All-American."
"Our goal with Chris was to finish in the top 40 and be an All-American," Mantalas continued. "It was not his greatest race ever but he managed it well and was able to make up spots at end."