Nov. 12, 2011

DeKalb, Ill. - Senior Josh Stein wrapped up his illustrious career with a career-best 27th-place finish as Loyola's men's and women's cross country teams wrapped up their season at the NCAA Midwest Regional hosted by Northern Illinois. The men's team finished 11th out of 25 teams with 305 teams points, just three behind 10th-place Southern Illinois, while the women took 24th in the field of 28 teams with 581 points. Oklahoma State edged Oklahoma for the men's team title while Iowa State eased to the women's crown.

A three-time First Team All-Horizon League honoree, Stein was terrific for the Ramblers today, covering the 10K course in 31:58.51 to lead the way. Classmate Danny Docherty also finished his career on a high note, taking 48th (32:35), while two of the next generation of LU runners followed in freshman Sam Penzenstadler (74th, 33:19) and sophomore Andy Fenske (78th, 33:24). Senior Ben Reifenburg rounded out the scorers, taking 83rd place with a time of 33:39.

On the women's side, sophomore Megan Janezic was the first Rambler across the line, finishing 74th in the 189-woman field with a 6K time of 22:42, six seconds ahead of Gina Valgoi, who took 79th in 22:48. Janezic's performance marked the first time since the 2009 season that someone other than Valgoi had been Loyola's top finisher.

Sophomore Alyvia Clark was third to cross (126th, 23:25) with Liz Butler and Catherine Crisler rounding Loyola's five scorers. Butler crossed the finish line in 24:02, 13 second ahead of Crisler's 24:15.

The Ramblers now turn their attention to the indoor track and field season, which is set to commence on Dec. 3 at Illinois State.