FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
USTFCCCA Region Award Winners Release
Complete USTFCCCA Top 35 Rankings
National Championship Preview

Nov. 19, 2009 -- North Central College's Michael Spain has been selected as the Midwest Region Runner of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

The 2008 cross country All-American finished no worse than seventh in all seven races he competed in, winning top individual honors at the Elmhurst Early-Bird Invitational and the Midwest Regional. The junior claimed two College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Runner of the Week awards during the season and was named CCIW All-Conference after finishing second at the conference meet. Spain crossed the finish line in 24:17 for the 8,000 meter course (five miles) at the NCAA Midwest Regional last Saturday, becoming the first Cardinal since 2000 to win the individual title.

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.