From Brandeis University Athletics
For the first time since 1995, both the Brandeis men and women have produced a cross country All-American in the same season.
Ryan Stender came away with his first All-American status after being very close last year. At last year's meet Stender was 37th with the top 35 receiving All-American. This year, Division III increased All-America standards to include the top 40 athletes. Even so, Stender was not content to replicate last year's performance, jumping nine spots and finishing 28th. Stender crossed the line in a time of 24:49.33, his third best time ever over the 8-kilometer distance. This was arguably his best collegiate cross-country race given the conditions and course layout.
Stender is the men's first All-America honoree since Paul Norton '11 finished 7th in 2009. Stender finished fifth among New England runners after taking 6that the regional championships and was third among UAA runners after placing fifth at the conference championships.
Darin Lau of Wisconsin – Eau Claire won the individual race in a time of 24:03.59 while the team title went to repeat champions North Central College who won 57-196 over Wisconsin – La Crosse.