Farrand turns in solid performance at nationals

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Joe Farrand ran to a 163rd-place finish in his first trip to the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology on Saturday.

A sophomore, Farrand navigated the 8k course in 26:09.2. His finish was Simpson's best at the national meet since Matt Chance finished 136th in 1995.

"Joe represented Simpson with great class today," head coach Heath Moenck said. "Today's experience will pay great dividends as Joe's career goes forward."

Farrand placed 10th at last weekend's NCAA Central Region Championships to automatically qualify for the national meet. His appearance at nationals marks the third straight by a Simpson runner after Ryan Edwardson qualified in 2010 and 2011.

"Joe had a tremendous season," Moenck said. "It's extremely gratifying to coach such a special student-athlete."

Tim Nelson of UW-Stout won the individual competition, finishing in 24:26.8. North Central scored 167 points to beat out Calvin (188) in the team race.