Ritzenhein Wins NCAA Division I X-C Championship
Photo: Ryan Hall (no. 234) and Dathan Ritzenhein (no. 288) lead at the 7K mark.
WATERLOO, IOWA (11/24/03) - Dathan Ritzenhein (Ritz) pulled away from Stanford's Ryan Hall in the last 400 meters of the 10K race to claim the 2003 NCAA Division I Cross Country title in 29:14. On a clear, cold day with sharp, gusty winds, the Colorado red-shirt sophomore from Rockford, Michigan, showed that his talent has returned after injuries forced him out of action last year.

The University of Northern Iowa hosted the meet at the Irv Warren Golf Course in tough weather conditions reminiscent of the 2000 championship at Ames, Iowa.

Ryan Hall (second in 29:15) led the Stanford men to their second straight title, placing four runners in the top six (24 points). The Stanford men were so dominant that Don Sage, their sixth runner, finished as All- American in thirteenth place, but didn't contribute to the team score.

Eastern Michigan's Gavin Thompson led for much of the race and finished third in 29:17.

Wisconsin's young team finished second (174 points) for the second year, Northern Arizona finished third (190 points), and a jubilant Iona College finished just 1 point behind for 4th place (191 points), the highest finish for any Iona team at a national championship event.

North Carolina's Shalene Flanagan (19:36) won the individual title for the second straight year, while an ecstatic Sara Bei (3rd, 19:49) led the Stanford women to the team title (120 points) after finishing as runners' up in 2002. Providence College's Kim Smith (2nd, 19:42) helped her team to the podium and third place (222 points). Brigham Young's second place (128) continued a remarkable seventh straight year as either the first or second team. University of Michigan women, led by All-American, Rebecca Walter's 17th place, were fourth (232 points.)

Colorado women were fourth with Rockford's Kalin Toedebusch contributing to the score as Colorado's second scorer.

Michigan State's Michelle Carson also earned All American honors with a twelfth place finish (20:13).

Other Michigan results: Men Nate Brannen, Michigan (14th, 29:54) - All American Nick Willis, Michigan, (15th, 29:54) - All Amercan

Michigan - team: 9th (335 points) Central Michigan - team: 18th (437 points)

Women Kristie Kiefer, Oakland University (21:33) Linsey Blaisdell, Wisconsin (22:34)

Michigan State - team: 17th (435 points)