---Steve Kruse

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University men’s cross country team is ranked 20th nationally in the latest NCAA Division II poll, marking the first time since 1979 the Norse have been in the ratings.

NKU earned a trip to Pensacola, Fla., and the NCAA Division II nationals by placing fourth last Saturday at the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region meet. Four NKU runners placed among the top 28 finishers in the 10-kilometer event. The Norse have not been to the nationals since 1979.

In addition, NKU's Steve Kruse has been named the Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year for leading his team to the nationals and earning a spot in the latest Division II poll. Kruse's Norse posted the best finish of any Great Lakes Valley Conference team at the regional meet.

NCAA II men's cross country rankings
1. Adams State
2. Abilene Christian
3. Chico State
4. Grand Valley State
5. Western State
6. Harding
7. Colorado School of Mines
8. UM-Lowell
9. Wayne State
10. Lock Haven
11. Stonehill
12. Missouri Southern
13. Minnesota State
14. Cal Poly Pomona
15. Saginaw Valley State
16. Alaska-Anchorage
17. Edinboro
18. Southern Connecticut
19. Western Washington
20. Northern Kentucky
21. Florida Southern
22. Central Missouri State
23. Southern Indiana
24. Shippensburg
25. Hillsdale