Titans Among Contenders For WIAC Title

UW-Oshkosh searches for its second title in three years at the WIAC Men's Cross Country Championship on Saturday (Nov. 2) in River Falls. This year's 8,000-meter race will be held at Kilkarney Hills Golf Course.

The Titans won the 2011 event before UW-La Crosse claimed the crown last season with 30 points.

UW-Eau Claire listed second at the 2012 WIAC Championship with 89 points and was followed by UW-Platteville in third with 92, UW-Stevens Point fourth with 98, UW-Stout fifth with 105, UW-Oshkosh sixth with 117, UW-River Falls seventh with 212, UW-Whitewater eighth with 218 and UW-Superior ninth with 295.

Four teams are ranked among the finest in the NCAA Division III by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. UW-La Crosse lists fifth, while UW-Oshkosh stands 10th, UW-Eau Claire 11th and UW-Stout 27th.

The Titans have an experienced group that features Kenny Halloran, Derek Johnsrud and Sean Kutz. Halloran placed 16th at last year's conference meet and Johnsrud ranked 29th. Kutz received All-WIAC recognition for his fifth-place finish during 2011.

UW-La Crosse's Jacob Peterson and Nate Routhier will both be running for their third straight All-WIAC award. The Eagles' David Stilin is also expected to compete for the title.

The top seven runners will receive All-WIAC first team honors, while athletes placing eight through 14 earn All-WIAC second team accolades.

All nine teams will return to action on Nov. 16 to compete in the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional at Saukie Golf Course in Rock Island, Ill. The NCAA Division III Championship is scheduled for Nov. 23 in Hanover, Ind.