BABSON PARK, FL- The University of South Carolina Beaufort XC team qualified four runners, three men and one woman for the NAIA Cross Country National Championships, to be held in two weeks in Vancouver Washington. The Sand Shark men, led by Stephen Wilson, finished third overall, behind Embry-Riddle and SCAD. 

Stephen Wilson led the men with a 7th place finish out of a field of 58 men, in a time of 28:29 and qualifying for the NAIA Nationals after missing it last year by a few seconds. Frank Tinsley was the second Sand Shark to finish in a time of 28:48 in 9th place, and qualifying for Nationals. Nic Tones finished in 10th place in a time of 28:52, good enough to qualify for the NAIA XC Nationals for a second year in a row.
 
Missing the cut for Nationals, but finishing 21st overall was Jon Critchlow in a time of 30:17. The last Sand Shark to finish was Tommy Reeves in his first appearance since being cleared by the doctor only a few days ago. Reeves finished 38th overall, in a time of 32:20. 

Coach Kimball noted that this course was more difficult than they anticipated; it was more hilly and hotter then it seemed. “The team ran a very smart race, they were able to break the lead pack up and make charges late in the race when it counted the most. It is very clear to me that our team has improved this year, our top finishers last year this time came in 10th and 11th, while this year we moved up to 7th and 9th.” He went on to say, “With all the injuries, illness, and hardships our team has face this year, the support of families, friends and the Athletics Department has made all the difference in our Conference race.” 

The four Sand Sharks who qualified for the NAIA Nationals will be making arrangements to compete in Ft. Vancouver Washington on November 21st. The meet will be hosted by Nike and the Cascade Conference.