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

Jan. 25, 2010 -- U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-13th) joined members of the North Central College community in honoring the men's cross country squad on its victory at the 2009 NCAA Division III National Championships, presenting the squad with a copy of House Resolution 1001 in a ceremony Monday afternoon at the Res-Rec Center.

“These dedicated young athletes spent countless hours training and preparing for their championship season, and their achievement is a testament to the excellence of the students and staff here at North Central,” said Biggert.

Along with presenting a framed copy of the bill, Biggert presented individual awards to Kyle Brady, Sean Carlson, Ryan Carrigan, Nathaniel Hird, Neal Klein, Nathan Rutz and Michael Spain, who all competed at the championship and earned All-America accolades.

“We are very proud of these young men. Yes, it's great to win a National Championship but what were more proud of is the young men they have become in the process of achieving that goal, “ said head coach Al Carius '06 (H).

House Resolution 1001, recognizing North Central for “excellence in the academics, athletics and collegiate life,” was unanimously passed on January 13, 2010 by members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 2009 national championship was the 13th in men's cross country at North Central, and the College's 23rd national team title. The Cardinals established a meet record with a 131-point margin of victory.