PEORIA, Ill. ?
For the second time in four years and fourth time overall, Bradley will host the NCAA Midwest Cross Country Regional at Newman Golf Course Saturday. The event includes 25 men's teams and 30 women's teams and will start at 11 a.m. with the men's 10K, followed by the women's 6K at 12:15 p.m.
The Midwest Regional is one of nine regionals being held Saturday, with the top two teams and top four individuals not on the top two teams qualifying for the NCAA Championship hosted by Indiana State Nov. 17 in Terre Haute, Ind.
The men's field includes three nationally ranked teams, with 12th ranked Oklahoma State highlighting the field. Minnesota enters Saturday's race ranked 15th in the poll, while Tulsa is tied with Providence for 18th. Iowa State is receiving votes in the latest top-30 poll. The women's field features four ranked squads, led by sixth ranked Minnesota. Illinois is 12th in the latest rankings with Iowa (19th) and Nebraska (30th) also among the top 30 in the nation.
The Oklahoma State men's team won the Midwest Regional in Minneapolis, Minn. in 2006 and went on to finish 10th at the NCAA Championship. Illinois claimed the women's regional title a year ago and finished eighth at the NCAA Championship.
The last time Newman Golf Course played host to the Midwest Regional in 2004, Minnesota won the men's race, while Missouri won the women's race. Bradley also hosted NCAA Regional Championships in 1986 and 1996.
The NCAA Division I Track and Field Committee will select thirteen at-large teams and two at-large individuals from the nine regional championships. A total of 31 teams and 38 individuals will be competing for the men's and women's NCAA Championship Nov. 17 in Terre Haute, Ind. Selections will be announced Monday, November 12.
Newman Golf Course is located at the corners of Nebraska and Sterling, and is best accessed by using the University Street exit off Interstate-74. Drive approximately 1/4 mile north on University Street to Nebraska Avenue and make a left onto Nebraska Avenue. Newman Golf Course is approximately 1 1/2 miles and will be on the right side (North) of Nebraska Avenue. The entrance to the clubhouse will be on your right, with over flow parking available at Bradley Park. Bradley Park is located south of the Golf Course entrance just off of Park Road.
