The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- December 7, 1998

Cardinals sweep titles in men's cross country

A foot injury kept North Central's Erik Dieckman out of action during the 1997 men's cross country season, leaving him on the sidelines when the Cardinals won a record 10th team title in the Division III Men's Cross Country Championships last year.

But Dieckman made a complete comeback in 1998, besting the field of 181 runners for the individual championship November 21 at Dickinson.

His performance led North Central to another team title as well, marking just the third time in the 26-year history of the championships that the individual winner has been a member of the team that won the championship. The victory also marked the 22nd time in 26 national championships appearances that North Central either has won the team title or finished second.

Dieckman covered the 8,000-meter course in 24:58.27, finishing with a seven-second advantage over runner-up Paul Alsdorf of Williams. John Krueger from St. John's (Minn.) was third, followed by Robert Mitchell of Amherst and Connaire Foran of Cortland State.

North Central won the team championship with 106 points, moving the Cardinals into a second-place tie with Wisconsin-La Crosse for the most team titles in Division III men's championships history with 15.

Dieckman's winning effort was supported by teammates Colin Young, who placed 15th, and Tim McCoskey, who came in 29th.

Calvin placed second with 122 points for its best finish in 14 championships appearances. Williams was third, followed by St. John's (Minn.) and Wisconsin-Stevens Point.