The Ohio State men’s cross country team hopes to continue its success today in Terre Haute, Ind., as NCAA Championships get under way.
The Buckeyes, No. 17 in the Mondo coaches’ poll, were one of 13 at-large teams chosen for the tournament.
This marks only the third time in OSU’s history, but the second time in four years, that the men’s team has advanced into the national tournament.
Coach Robert Gary is excited about his team’s accomplishments this season.
“We have already accomplished many of our goals this year,” Gary said.
“Our men have put so much effort in, being selected as an at-large team is yet another accolade these kids have earned.”
Senior Derrick Butler is coming off one of his best performances last week.
At the Great Lakes regional, Butler finished 16th to help the Buckeyes place fifth.
“As a team we are really running well right now, and this season is turning into a special one,” Butler saidof his senior year. “Our focus is now turned to doing well at nationals.”
Sophomore Dan Glaz — the team’s top runner — finished 11th all-around at the Big Ten tournament but was hindered at the regionals with an inflamed Achilles’ tendon in his left foot.
However, Glaz refuses to let his injury sidetrack his team’s goals.
“At the beginning of the season, we mapped out our team goals and finishing the season in the top 10 was on the top of the list. If we continue to run the way we have, we should do well next week,” Glaz said.
The Buckeyes finished second overall at the Big Ten Championships, their best finish since 1977.
Gary’s squad is more balanced than past teams, which bodes well for its chances in Terre Haute.
“Our team is different in that we have five or six runners who can lead the pack, as opposed to our past teams that had only one or two guys,” Gary said.
“We came out of the toughest region in the country, which is a testament to our team’s ability,” he said.
