(Posted November 21, 2009)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Juniata College senior Matt Bailey (East Petersburg, Pa./Hempfield) posted a time of 27:44.0 to finish 217th overall at the 2009 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships, held Saturday in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bailey was the first Juniata runner to participate in the Division III national championship meet, running against the top 276 Division III distance runners in the nation.

"Matt ran all out at the regional meet to get to nationals, and didn't quite get his legs back 100% for today's race," said Juniata head cross country coach Jon Cutright. "At two miles, he was in pretty good position, but the fatigue took its toll at that point and he faded to the finish. But he left everything he had out on the course."

"We're certainly really proud of him, and this is big for our program. A lot of his team was out there to support him and cheer him on, and it was good that they also got to experience the national championship meet. Matt definitely raised the bar and opened the door for future Juniata runners to aspire to get there," said Cutright.

Lynchburg College's Ricky Flynn won the race with a time of 25:09.8. Scranton's Chris Wasnetsky was the top Landmark Conference finisher, placing 42nd with a time of 26:17.5.

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