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Nov. 18, 2009 -- The North Central College men's cross country squad remains the top ranked team in NCAA Division III for the 10th consecutive week as the United States Track  & Field and Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA) released its penultimate Coaches Top 35 Poll, Wednesday.

The Cardinals sit atop the rankings after accumulating 280 points. Defending National Champion Cortland State (N.Y.) moves up to second, receiving 270 points while UW-La Crosse drops to third with 260 points. Geneseo State (N.Y.) and Allegheny College (Pa.) round out the top five, garnering 257 and 247 points, respectively. Augustana College is the only other College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin institution appearing in the poll, plunging 23 spots to 33rd place, receiving 33 points.

North Central put forth a dominating effort on Saturday at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional, outscoring runner-up UW-La Crosse by a 84 point margin. The Cardinals' 21 points was the lowest score ever in the 32-year history of the regional, claiming the championship for the second straight season. Michael Spain claimed top individual honors, crossing the tape in 24:17 for the 8,000 meter course (five miles), becoming the first Cardinal since 2000 to win the individual title.

With the regional victory, the Cardinals automatically qualified for the NCAA Division III National Championships for the 37th consecutive season. North Central will look to win its 13th national title on Saturday at Highland Hills Golf Course in Cleveland, Ohio. The race is scheduled to begin at noon Eastern time.