Nov. 4, 2000

Hays, Kan. - The University of South Dakota men's cross-country team placed third at the North Central Regional meet to advance to the national meet for the eighth consecutive year. South Dakota's women's team placed 12th at the North Central Regional meet.

The Coyotes finished third with 143 points and had the best finish among North Central Conference teams. The Coyotes finished behind Western State, who won the regional with 19 points, including seven runners who placed in the top nine. Adams State was second with 55 points. South Dakota State was fourth with 158 points while Minnesota State, Mankato had 177 points. Michael Aish of Western State, the defending national champion, won the men's 10K race (30:42).

Seniors Jason Probasco (32:09) and Noah Deyo (32.37) led South Dakota by finishing 14th and 22nd, respectively. Deyo's performance is especially noteworthy given the fact he had knee surgery two weeks ago. Also for South Dakota, Jacob Christensen was 30th (33.00); Adam Lindahl, 35th (33:13.63); Andrew Nelson, 42nd (33:25); Ed Whetham, 56th (33:45); and David Farnsworth, 59th (33:56).

Western State won the women's North Central Regional with 26 points. Adams State finished second with 75 and Northern Colorado was third with 93. Sarah Meyer of Adams State won the women's 6K race (21:38). Leading the way for the Coyotes' women was Aimee Dunlop who finished 31st (23:23). Other Coyote finishers included Jenny Buller, 57th (24.08); Brianna Schenk, 77th (24:40); Patricia Goertz, 80th, (24:42); Alison Luedke, 87th (24:58); Molly Meng, 91st (25:11).

The NCAA Division II National Championships will be held Nov. 18 at Pomona, Calif.

MEN'S TEAM POINTS: Western State, 19; Adams State, 55; South Dakota, 143; South Dakota State, 158; Minnesota State, Mankato, 177; Augustana, 180; Nebraska-Kearney, 193; North Dakota State, 193; Fort Hays State, 224; New Mexico Highlands, 240; Minnesota-Duluth, 245; Colorado Christian, 304; Colorado Mines, 374; Wayne State (Neb.), 394; Colorado-Colorado Springs, 408; North Dakota, 465; Fort Lewis, 483; Northern State, 582; Regis (Colo.), 618; Winona State, 647.

WOMEN'S TEAM POINTS: Western State, 26; Adams State, 75; Northern Colorado, 93; North Dakota, 97; Colorado-Colorado Springs, 127; South Dakota State, 160; New Mexico Highlands, 241; North Dakota State, 251; Augustana, 289; Nebraska-Omaha, 298. Fort Hays State, 315; South Dakota, 324; Minnesota State, Mankato, 327; Minnesota-Duluth, 349; Fort Lewis, 383; Nebraska-Kearney, 449; Colorado Christian, 455; Colorado Mines, 473; Northern State, 507; Winona State, 507.