Nov. 21, 2005

The University of Notre Dame men's cross country team posted a stellar performance at the 2005 NCAA Cross Country Championship on Monday, Nov. 21, finishing third to claim a spot on the podium for the first time since 1990. Junior Kurt Benninger paced the men's team effort by finishing sixth overall (the best effort for an Irish runner since Luke Watson placed fifth in 2001).

The Irish women continued their excellence at the national meet as well, finishing seventh to claim the team's fourth-consecutive top-10 finish at the NCAA Championship. Senior Stephanie Madia matched JoAnna Deeter's (1996) school-best finish, taking third place to lead her team's effort.

Information on the meet is just beginning to be released and will be updated throughout the day on www.und.com - including photos from the event.