Clayton State men finish ninth overall at NCAA Division II Southeast Regionals

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – November 5, 2011 – With his team not 100 percent healthy, Clayton State men's head cross country coach Mike Mead would have been happy with a 10th-place finish for his Lakers on Saturday at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regionals.

He got wish and a little more as the Clayton State men finished ninth overall in the 24-team field at McAlpine Park. Clayton State recorded 304 points, edging Lenoir-Rhyne by six points, Erskine by 10 points and Wingate by 15 points. The Lakers finished 87 points behind Peach Belt Conference rival Columbus State.

The news was good for senior Albert Mong'ony. Clayton State's top runner capped off a strong two-year career by placing 21st overall in the 10K event in 32:50. That earned him Division II All-Southeast Region honors for a second straight season.

In addition to Mong'ony, sophomore Russell Lawless placed 54th in 33:36.1, followed by Charles Anderson in 58th at 33:42.6 and freshman Alex Foss finished 59th in 33:44.4. Rounding out the Laker scoring was freshman Tanner Thomason in 119th (35:58.9), Ayrton Azcue finished 121st in 36:01.1 and freshman Preston Valencia placed 123rd in 36:05.2.

Queens won the event with 62 points, out-distancing Mount Olive by 20 points. Both teams qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships on Nov. 19 in Spokane, Wash.