For the first time in school history, University of Tampa coach Jarrett Slavin will take his entire cross country team to the national meet.
UT's men's and women's teams will compete in this weekend's NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships at Missouri Southern University in Joplin, Mo.
The UT women are used to the national stage; this is their fourth straight trip to the NCAAs. For the men, it's their first trip to the NCAAs.
"The guys are so excited," Slavin said. "The girls were first at regionals and we kept our fingers crossed for the guys. They were ranked fourth in the region and three teams go. We ran well. We thought we could squeeze in and we're proud of that."
Senior David Forry overcame knee problems this summer to finish 14th at regionals, while Tony Nicolosi led the Spartans with an eighth-place finish at regionals with a time of 32:54.9.
This appearance at nationals is a major achievement for Forry. After four years of hard work, he'll get an opportunity to run with the nation's best.
"He was emotional," Slavin said. "I think he wanted to go so bad and he realized with his knee that it put him behind. He's wanted to make it to nationals all four years."
Slavin said a good finish for the men would be the top 20.
The women have higher expectations after winning their second regional title in four years on Nov. 3.
Senior Laura Woznicki, who finished second at regionals in 21:19.0, was part of the 2004 team that won regionals and has been to nationals all four years.
Slavin said he thinks Woznicki can earn All-American status, reserved for the top 25 finishers.
"If she keeps her composure and runs like she has been," Slavin said, "I can see her in the top 20."
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