Freshman takes 3rd at regionals, earns NCAA bid

After Saturday's Great Lakes Regional Championships at Bowling Green State University, it became clear that a new leader had emerged in the IU men's cross country pack. Freshman Jordan Kyle took third at the regional meet, earning a spot at the NCAA Championships.\nCrossing the finish line with a career-best time of 31:02.43, just behind Eastern Michigan University's Corey Nowitzke (30:57.94) and Butler's Scott Overall (31:01.17), Kyle bested former IU men's cross country runner and All-American Sean Jefferson's time of 31:07.9 that he ran in last year's regional. Jefferson took third place last year as well. Kyle will compete in the NCAA Championships on Saturday in Terre Haute.\nAmong the 31 teams competing this weekend, the Hoosiers nabbed sixth place in the 10K battle. As a team, IU did not qualify for nationals. \n"The race went out slower than I had anticipated," Kyle said. "Once I realized it, I moved up to the front. For the first 5K, I was hanging onto the back of the lead pack and moved up until about the 8.5K. From there, I raced with the two other runners (from Eastern Michigan and Butler)."\nSophomore Timothy McLeod finished the race second for the Hoosiers with a career-best 31:46.67 (20th overall). Behind him, sophomore Mark Fruin ran a career-best 32:01.31 (33rd), junior Brennon Plotner nabbed a career-best 32:17.79 (41st), senior Marcus Aguilar crossed fifth for IU in 32:43.78 (65th), freshman Darryl Stevenson finished in a career-best 33:48.27 (110th) and senior George McArdle posted a time of 34:08.21 (124th).\n"Of course, to make it to the National Championships is a goal (for the team)," assistant coach Stephen Haas said. "To have (Kyle) represent us is pretty good. For him to run with the guys he was running with shows the team is moving in the right direction."\nAfter finishing strong in the regional race, Haas said he thinks there is a chance Kyle could finish in the top 25 in the championships and earn All-American status.\nHowever, for the team, the experience is bittersweet. As the cross country season comes to a close, indoor track will start soon, bringing a new chance for change. Plotner has made new strides on the cross country team this season, but said he is excited about what is in store for him and his teammates in the future.\n"I felt that I proved a lot from last year, so I can't complain. It was just a matter of going out there and showing what we've got," he said. "I think we (as a team) surprised a lot of people, but making it to Nationals would have been crazy. I don't think we thought Jordan could do what he did out there, but I think he did. He ran a real good race, and he's got a lot of years ahead of him."\nKyle's said he remains optimistic and that practice with his teammates does not stop merely because one season has.\n"My workout will be a little different (in preparation for the National Championships)," Kyle said, "but everyone's still training for indoor track and an upcoming marathon"