Nov. 21, 2011

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Lamar University's Matt Johnsen placed 89th at the 2011 NCAA Men's Cross Country Championships on Monday.

Johnsen, the only Lamar runner in the race, covered the 10-kilometer course in 30 minutes, 42.8 seconds. The sophomore placed 47 places higher than last year's 136th-place finish. Johnsen was the sixth finisher from the South Central Region, after placing eighth in the South Central Regionals two weeks earlier.

"Matt ran a smart race. He put himself in good positions to move forward throughout the race and was never in any trouble," Lamar cross country coach Trey Clark said. He was patient and confident throughout the race and it showed in his improved finishing position. It was a good end to the cross country season."

Wisconsin won the team title. Lawi Lalang of Arizona won the individual race, topping the 252-man field with a time of 28:44.1.

LAMAR