Men's Cross Country 11/17/2014 10:35:00 AM

Tim McGowan becomes first RWU male Cross Country runner to qualify for NCAA Championship

BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams University Men's Cross Country freshman Tim McGowan (Northport, N.Y.) has earned a berth to the NCAA Championships, becoming the first male cross country athlete in Roger Williams University to qualify for the NCAA Championships. McGowan placed 24th overall at the NCAA Division III New England Regional Championship this past weekend, earning All-New England honors as well.

"We've had some individuals in the past get really close to making it, so it's great to see Tim break through and have an opportunity to compete at the meet everybody aspires to get to," said Head Coach Sean Livingston.

McGowan is one of seven individuals from New England to qualify for the championship. In addition to the top six New England teams from the regional meet to qualify, the top seven individuals not on those teams also qualify. McGowan's time of 26:03.9 placed him fourth among the seven individuals, earning his way to the championship.

"The New England region is by far the biggest in the country, with close to 60 schools, which makes it extremely difficult to make it out of. He went out there and really had to earn it on Saturday. The Williams course is pretty challenging, but Tim got out well, working with his brother Jack, and just off the lead pack at the mile. He fell back a bit over the next few miles and I knew it was going to be close as far as him being one of the seven individuals to go. He finished strong over the last 1K and was able to get a few guys back, which made the difference. Jack was in contention for most of the race also, but ended up missing by just 12 seconds for the last qualifying spot."

"It's a tough thing getting to the NCAAs, and even more of a challenge for freshmen. Tim was the third-fastest freshman in the race, Jack McGowan was the fifth fastest. They both didn't back down despite the stiff competition. I give them both a lot of credit. What makes it even a little more special for Tim is that he was able to find a way to qualify despite being injured for a good portion of the season. We had to really limit his workload, but he found a way to get it done. I expect him to race out in Ohio like he did at regionals—smart and tough."

Wilmington College (Ohio) and the Warren County Convention and Visitor's Bureau are co-hosting the championships on Saturday, November 22, at the Golf Center at King's Island in Mason, Ohio. McGowan will represent RWU in the men's race, beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern time.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Tim McGowan: 5' 10"; Freshman

Jack McGowan: 5' 10"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Tim McGowan
: 5' 10"; Freshman

Jack McGowan
: 5' 10"; Freshman