The men’s cross country team has arrived in Spokane, Wash., for the 2013 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships.

The national race is nothing new for most of the team.  The top five runners from last year are back this year.

Sophomore Ryan Jackson, juniors Eric Schott, Andrew Webster, Colton Wooldridge and senior Jake Benton all ran at the 2012 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships hosted at the MSSU Cross Country Course.  The team placed eighth overall last year with Schott and Benton leading the pack.

The men’s team placed third at the Central Region Championship race on Nov. 9 but they feel it was not their best race.

“This race wasn’t a great one for our team,” said Benton. “We made a few mistakes that cost us quite a few points.”

Bryan Schiding, men’s cross country head coach, feels the team has continued to be successful on their own, but just need to run a little better at nationals.

“I have faith in the ability of everyone on our team and I have no doubt it will be remedied at nationals,” Benton said.

“Colton Wooldridge has actually stepped up, he has done an extremely good job,” Schiding said. “He has improved tremendously from last year.”

Wooldridge has been consistent throughout the year, running most races around the 25 minute mark.

The final race of the fall season will be underway for the men’s cross country team tomorrow morning in Spokane.