CHICAGO – This week marks the 20th anniversary of a milestone in Loyola University Chicago men's cross country history: the Ramblers' first-ever team appearance at the NCAA Championships in 2005 under head coach Marc Burns.

Competing in Terre Haute, Ind., at the Wabash Valley Sports Center, Loyola finished 31st in the team standings with 856 points. The 2005 national meet was won by top-ranked Wisconsin (37 points), with Arkansas finishing second (105 points).

Junior Sam Romanoski led the Ramblers, completing the 10k course in 114th place with a time of 31:03.2. Other scoring members included senior Robert Wade (200th – 31:54.8), junior Brent Cunningham (237th – 32:46.7), senior Eduardo Borjon (239th – 32:49.9), and freshman Ryan Kuphall (243rd – 32:57.4). Seniors Sean Conroy (251st – 34:18.4) and Andrew McQuillan (253rd – 35:02.6) also competed in their final collegiate meet.

This historic appearance built on Loyola's rich cross country legacy, including former Rambler Tom O'Hara, who won the NCAA individual title in 1963. Coach Burns and the 2005 squad set a new standard for the program, laying the foundation for future success in men's cross country at Loyola Chicago.