FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Oct. 6, 2009 -- After helping the North Central College men's cross country squad to its fourth team title of the season, Nathaniel Hird has been selected as the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Runner of the Week.

Hird was the top finishing Cardinal on Friday, placing fourth at the prestigious Notre Dame Invitational after clocking a 24:49 for the 8,000-meter (five-mile) course. His efforts helped the team secure its fourth team title of the season as the top-ranked Cardinals claimed the Gold Division crown edging-out Division II stalwart Grand Valley State University (Mich.), 46-52.

The senior becomes the third Cardinal this season to claim the award, Michael Spain won the award for the week of Sept. 21 while Kyle Brady captured the honor for the week of Sept. 15.

North Central returns to action on Friday, October 9, sending a squad to nearby Lisle, Ill. for the Benedictine University Eagle Invitational.

2009 CCIW Cross Country Runners of the Week
Nathaniel Hird - North Central (10/6/09)
Bryan Foland - North Park (9/29/09)
Michael Spain - North Central (9/21/09)
Kyle Brady - North Central (9/15/09)
Dan Bailey - Augustana (9/9/09)