Lawrence, Kan. – The Fighting Illini's pursuit of their first NCAA Championships appearance since 1986 came up short this afternoon at the NCAA Midwest Regional, with the Illini placing eighth overall. The two automatic bids from region went to Oklahoma State (59 points) and Minnesota (95 points). Dylan Lafond will wait to see if his eighth-place finish will be worthy of an individual at-large bid to next weekend's NCAA Championships in Louisville, Kentucky.

Lafond led the seven-man unit today with another quality performance at a postseason meet. The First-Team All-Big Ten selection was the first Illini, and first Big Ten, harrier to come through the chute, finishing eighth overall with a 10K time of 30:08.4.

Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jesse Reiser came through for Coach Stewart with another strong performance in his first-ever NCAA meet, placing 22^nd with a time of 30:34.6 in his NCAA postseason competition debut.

A trio of Orange and Blue point scorers came through the chute on the heels of each other as Zack Smith (21:18.6), Billy Magnesen (21:18.8), and Dan Lathrop (31:20.9) finished in consecutive fashion to claim places 49^th through 51^st.

Ian Barnett rounded out the six Illini runners to finish, ending his Illini cross-country career with a time of 31:38.1, placing 68^th overall. Liam Markham was unable to finish the race for the Illini.

Next Up: Coach Stewart and the distance runners will prepare for the indoor track season that begins in less than two months. First-Team All-American Dylan Lafond will look to continue his success in the steeplechase.

Team Results:

1. Oklahoma State – 59
2. Minnesota – 95
3. Oklahoma – 104
4. Tulsa – 127
5. Iowa State – 157

8. ILLINOIS – 177

Individual Results:

8. Dylan Lafond, 30:08.4

22. Jesse Reiser, 30:34.6

49. Zack Smith, 31:18.6

50. Billy Magnesen, 31:18.8

51. Dan Lathrop, 31:20.9

68. Ian Barnett, 31:38.1

Liam Markham – Did Not Finish