Andy Green Nov. 12, 2005

Best finish in 11 years for Central

WAVERLY—With what coach Jeff Bovee called its best showing of the year, the Central College men's cross country team cracked the top-10 of the NCAA Division III Central Regional meet for the first time since 1994. The Dutch men were ninth in a strong 20-team field while the Central women's squad was 16th out of 23 squads.
But Central's Jill Rozendaal (senior, Grinnell, Lynnville-Sully HS) and Adam Wolf (junior, Corning) each entered the day looking to run away with a trip to the NCAA Division III national meet next Saturday in Delaware, Ohio, only to come up short.

Big finish for George— Senior Bryan George (Pella) garnered all-region honors, placing 32nd in 26:36, the second-fastest 8,000-meter time of his career. He improved on his regional finish from last year by 30 places.

“Bryan (George) passed eight guys in the final 400 meters,” said Bovee. “I'm happy that he finished his career this way.”

Wolf made an early bid for a national berth, but wasn't in top form.   
“Adam (Wolf) had a head cold earlier this week and it took a toll on him,” said Bovee.
Wolf ran in the top 15 for the first three miles before falling back. He finished 41st in 26:49.
Central finished with 250 points. Nebraska Wesleyan had the top two individual placewinners and took first with 42 points, with Wartburg next with 83.  The Dutch men's ninth-place finish was their highest since 1994, when they finished fourth.

The top-10 finish was a result of the team keeping stride with George and Wolf. Brett Jones (junior, Knoxville) placed 48th (27:13), Joe Jefferson (junior, Decorah) finished 61st (27:26), T.J. Weiler (senior, Ankeny) placed 68th (27:33), Michael McLoughlin (senior, Ft. Dodge, St. Edmond HS) was 69th (27:37.25) and Brian Respeliers (junior, Council Bluffs, St. Albert HS) was 88th (28:10.35).      

“We ran a good, solid race,” said Bovee. “I am happy with our race today. We ran awesome.”
With the 2005 season over, Bovee is excited about next year.
“We lose three seniors,” said Bovee, referring to Weiler, McLoughlin and George. “We will miss their leadership. They have elevated this program.”

The Dutch will return four runners from Saturday's top seven, including, Wolf, Jones, Jefferson and Respeliers as well as Brett Dietrich (sophomore, Williamsburg). Chase Ungs (junior, Ames, Gilbert HS), who is studying in Europe this year, also will be back.

“With the guys that we have returning next year, I think we have a chance to be ranked nationally,” Bovee said of his rapidly progressing program. “We certainly have the potential.