By The Record

The Johnnie and Blazer cross country teams entered last weekend’s NCAA Central Regional Championship hoping to extend their seasons.

St. John’s placed third and qualified for their third consecutive NCAA National Meet to be held noon Saturday at St. Olaf College in Northfield. St. Ben’s, who posted a 210-point finish, was nine points shy of qualifying for nationals.

The Johnnies will be making their 23rd trip to the national meet in the program’s history. The team has placed as high as fourth in 1984 and 1998.

Senior Chris Erichsen took first place in individual competition with a time of 24:58.

Senior Kelly Fermoyle finished seventh, followed by junior Zach Hunter who finished 21st. Fermoyle and Hunter both picked up all-region honors.

The Blazers were led by sophomore Margot Branigan who placed 15th individually with a time of 23:01. Senior Kristen Haubrich finished 27th to join Branigan as Blazer runners who finished with all-region honors.

Filed under: Blazers, Johnnies, Sports by Sean Landman