Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Byrne qualifies for NCAA Cross Country Championship
11/14/2005 | 12:00:00 | Cross Country
Nov. 14, 2005
By Matt Crouch
www.SIUSalukis.com
INDIANAPOLIS - After three years of trying, he finally made it.
Southern Illinois University senior cross country runner Joe Byrne was selected as one of 38 at-large qualifiers for the NCAA Cross Country Championship, the NCAA announced Monday. He was one of four at-large qualifiers selected from the Midwest Region.
Eighteen teams earned automatic qualification following their performance at Saturday's regional championships. An additional 13 teams earned at-large selections along with 38 individuals.
Byrne, a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection, finished 21st in the NCAA Midwest Regionals Saturday, running the 10K in 31:37. The Patrick Down, N. Ireland native is the only MVC athlete to qualify for the men's NCAA Cross Country Championship this year.
Byrne is also the first NCAA qualifier for SIU since Jeremy Parks accomplished that feat in 1998.
The 2005 NCAA Cross Country Championship is set for Monday, Nov. 21 at the Indiana State Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Ind. The event is scheduled for a 12 p.m. start.
