Warrensburg, Mo. (Nov. 13, 2000) -- For only the second time in the program's history, Central Missouri State University will send both cross country teams to the NCAA Division II Championships Saturday (Nov. 18) in Chino, Calif. The Mules will be one of 24 teams competing for the men's crown, while the Jennies are one of 24 teams in pursuit of the women's title. CMSU is one of 18 schools to have both teams in the championship.

The previous time both the Mules and Jennies qualified as teams was in 1993, when the Mules finished in a tie for fifth and the Jennies placed 16th. The Mules are making their sixth straight team appearance at the Division II Championship. Four of the last five years they have finished in the top ten, placing seventh last year, second in 1997, sixth in 1996 and second in 1995. This is the Jennies' first team appearance since 1993.

Saturday's 10,000 meter men's race is scheduled for 1 p.m. (CST), with the women's 6,000 meter race to follow at 2:15 p.m. (CST).

Coach Kirk Pedersen's Mules, ranked 12th in the final Division II coaches' poll, qualified for the championship with a fourth-place finish at the South Central Regional Nov. 4 in Commerce, Texas. Senior Vladimir Golias (Penza, Russia) was CMSU's top regional finisher, placing fourth. Senior Joe Conley (Eureka, Mo./Northwest H.S.) was 11th at the regional and was followed by juniors Jay Hill (Moberly, Mo.) 14th and Paul Bennett (Notts, England) 26th and senior Brayce Forsha (Richmond, Mo.) 31st. Junior Joe Mack (Warrensburg, Mo.) and freshman Leif Kennedy (Clear Lake, Iowa) will round out the Mules' squad. Abilene Christian University is the top-ranked men's team, while Western State College (Colo.) is the defending champion.

The Jennies, ranked sixth in the final Division II coaches' poll, qualified with their first-ever regional title at the South Central Regional. Junior Rachel Harvey (Branson, Mo.) led a balanced team performance, placing third at the regional. She was followed by senior Amber Neal (Monett, Mo.) in seventh, juniors Melissa Short (Jacksonville, Fla.) 13th, Carrie Riedel (Centralia, Mo.) 14th and Erica Foltz (El Dorado, Kan.) 15th. Junior Jill Call (Knob Noster, Mo.) and sophomore Melanie Hill (Moberly, Mo.) will complete the Jennies' squad. Western State is the top-ranked women's team and is also the defending champion.