Bucknell University Athletics
Senior Bucknell Cross Country Runners Matt Forys and Leanna Nastase Qualify for 2006 NCAA National Championships
11/13/2006 7:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
Nov. 13, 2006
LEWISBURG, Pa - On Monday, Nov. 20, in Terre Haute, Ind., seniors Matt Forys (Howell, N.J./Howell) and Leanna Nastase (Beaverdale, Pa./Forest Hills) will represent the Bucknell cross country program at the 2006 NCAA National Championships after earning bids in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional this past Saturday in Lock Haven, Pa. The seniors become the first Bison runners since 2001 to compete in the championships.
Forys, who earned an automatic bid, led the men's team to a 11th-place finish out of 25 squads in the Mid-Atlantic Regional after placing fifth individually with a time of 30 minutes, 40 seconds. The Howell, N.J. native has been the Bison top finisher this season, including a 73rd-place finish in 2006 NCAA Pre-National Championships Terre Haute, Ind., and a third-place finish at the Patriot League Championships.
Nastase led the Bison women to their second straight fifth place showing out of 28 teams in the Mid-Atlantic Regional. Individually, Nastase crossed the line ninth with a time of 21:00, which earned her an at-large bid for the championships. The Beaverdale, Pa. native has been the top finisher for the Bucknell women in five out of six meets, which includes a first-place finish at the Patriot League Championships. She also took 66th at the NCAA Pre-Nationals last month.
"I am very proud of Matt and Leanna," said Bucknell head coach Kevin Donner. "It's a great honor for them and the University. They have worked very hard for the last four years to achieve this goal."
The NCAA Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Monday, November 20 with the women's 6k race beginning at noon followed by the men's 10k race at 1:15 p.m. at the LaVern Gibson Championship course on the campus of Indiana State University.
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