Runner to compete in NCAA tourney

The NCAA Cross Country Championships are being held today in Greenville, S.C., at the Furman University golf course. The race features the top 31 teams in the nation. It also features the top four individuals, whose teams did not qualify for the championship from each regional and two at large individual bids. This all adds up to a total of 255 runners. \nOne is junior Chad Andrews. Andrews was one of the top four individuals in the Great Lakes Regional. Andrews finished 12th overall last weekend and was the only Hoosier to qualify for the championship. \nSophomore Bart Phariss was one place short of advancing. \nHead coach Robert Chapman said he was disappointed about Phariss but more frustrated for another reason.\n"It is disappointing that the team is not at nationals," he said.\nBeing the only person from IU presents a different atmosphere for Andrews.\n"It is definitely a different feeling. I've got to keep focused on what I have to do," he said. "It would have been nice for them to be there." \nWithout his teammates, Andrews will not have someone to help push him during the race. But he said he does not perceive this changing his racing strategy.\n"I am going to try to run a crisp 5k and go with what I have left," Andrews said.\nLast season, Andrews also finished 12th in the Great Lakes Regional. That led to an 83rd place finish at nationals. The district the Hoosiers competed in was much stronger than last season. Andrews said this means he will finish higher than last year.\n"I am not worried about it too much," he said. "This year was a lot stronger. It was just a tough district."\nFreshman Kurtis George also said he thinks Andrews will have a strong showing in nationals.\n"I think he has a pretty good chance to do well," George said. "An average race will put him around 60th. If he has a good race he could be an All-American."\nTo accomplish that Andrews would traditionally need to finish around 40th to 45th.\n"I want to be an All-American. It will take one of my best days," Andrews said. "Hopefully, I am on that day and can do it"