Senior Wilbourn Kosgei, Ben Hall, and Olivia Mills are all set to compete this Saturday morning at Fort Vancouver State Preserve for the 2009 NAIA National Cross Country Championship!  The men's 8K race begins at 10:30am, followed by the women's 5K at 11:45am. 

The team arrived safely in Portland, Oregon on Thursday afternoon and wasted no time before having a light practice at the championship site.   

"The course is fair and rolling.  I think it's going to be super muddy and sloppy," said Coach Larios.  "It's a great honor to represent Montreat College out here.  There are so many great teams and runners.  Our athletes are ready to give their best effort and make the most of this memorable trip."

On Friday evening, the Cavaliers took a trip to the Nike Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.  They attended the NAIA championship banquet at the Tiger Wood Center; the banquet was followed by the annual pre-race Champions of Character award ceremony.  Montreat's Ben Hall  was recognized as a 2009 NAIA Scholar-Athlete. 

This championship race will serve as Wilbourn Kosgei's final collegiate cross country meet.  Kosgei has qualified for four consecutive NAIA National Cross Country Championships.  This year will be Ben Hall's second consecutive trip to nationals while  Olivia Mills, recognized as an AAC All-Freshman, will be representing Montreat College in her first national championship.

Official results of both races may be found on the NAIA Cross Country Championship results page.