ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (Blugolds.com) - It was a great day for the UW-Eau Claire cross country teams who competed at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Championships hosted by Augustana College at Saukie Golf Course in Rock Island, IL.  The Blugolds took advantage of Saturday's ideal racing conditions; which were perfect for mid-November with sunshine, a light breeze and temps in the mid 50's; with the women placing fifth of 40 teams and the men finishing first of 38 teams both advancing to the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships this upcoming Saturday.

Women's Results | Men's Results | Nationals Website | Photos

Lucy Ramquist (Sr.-River Falls, WI) continued her dominant season placing first of 271 runners with a 6K time of 21:17.  Clara Williamson (Sr.-Skokie, IL/Niles North HS) and Callie Fischer (So.-Ashwaubenon, WI) were the Blugolds second and third finishers both earning All-Midwest Region honors (top 35) by placing 15^th and 31^st overall with times of 21:42 and 22:16, respectively.  Katryna Williams (Sr.-Watertown, WI) was Eau Claire's number four runner placing 38^th in 22:29.  Karen Gomez (Fr.-Chatfield, MN), Morgan Marek (Fr.-Muskego, WI) and Mel Becker (Jr.-Osseo, WI/Osseo-Fairchild) ran smart working together a majority of the race and finishing strong in 45^th, 55^th and 58^th place respectively with times of 22:39, 22:49 and 22:50.

The men ran an intelligent race getting in good position by the 5K mark and finishing the final 3K under control.  Ryan Mugan (Sr.-Howards Grove, WI) and Josh Thorson (Jr.-Plymouth, MN/Wayzata HS) ran together the entire race finishing third and fourth overall in a field of 260 runners with 8K times of 24:10.  Sophomore Darin Lau (Eau Claire, WI/Immanuel Lutheran) cracked the top 10 placing sixth in 24:19.  Christian Leitner (Sr.-Redwing, MN) and Nick Petersson (Jr.-Brookfield, WI/Central) also earned All-Midwest Region honors placing 14^th and 27^th respectively with 8K times of 24:45 and 24:54.  Brendon Paucek (Jr.-Sullivan, WI/Jefferson) was the Blugolds number six runner placing 58^th in 25:40.