Sept. 9, 2006

Blair, Neb. – The Dana men’s and women’s cross country teams began their respective seasons with a sweep of the team titles at the Dana Open. It was the first time since 2001 that both teams won the meet.

The women’s race was won by Dordt College’s Jen Kemper. The 2006 NAIA National Champion steeplechaser cruised to a 21:05 clocking on the 5,000 meter course. Kemper’s teammate Tami Wieringa was close behind in 21:28 for second place, but it wasn’t enough as the next five runners to cross the line were from Dana. 

Dana took the team title with 25 points, Dordt finished close behind with 30, and York rounded out the scoring with 75 points.

“Our women’s team has already mastered the art of pack running,” Dana’s Head Cross Country Coach Derek Fey said. “We don’t have depth, but we have strong five runners, and they showed it today.”

The individual champion in the men’s race was a familiar face. Senior John Kaup from Dana finished the 8,000 meter course in 28:31 to repeat as the individual champion. Joel De Haan from Dordt was the runner-up, clocking 29:41 over one of the toughest courses in the nation.

Dana would put four runners in the top six to take the men’s team title with 21 points. Dordt College finished with 35 points.

“It was great to see our men moving up in the field,” Fey said. “When our pack time goes down, we will be a tough group to beat.”   

For more information, contact:
Shad Beam, sports information director, 402-426-7389, sbeam@dana.edu
- or -
Scott Guzinski, assistant sports information director 402-426-7949, sguzinsk@dana.edu