Nov. 12, 2007

Columbia, Mo. - On the heels of an impressive 13th place finish at the 2007 NCAA Midwest Regional Championship, Tiger sophomore Dan Hedgecock (St. Louis, Mo.) has earned an at-large bid to compete at the 2007 NCAA National Championships on Nov. 19 in Terre Haute, Ind. This will be the first appearance at nationals for Hedgecock.

Hedgecock becomes the fourth Tiger runner in four years to qualify for the national race. Former Tiger Tim Ross qualified in 2004 and 2006, while Matt Noonan qualified for the race in 2005. Hedgecock is one of 38 runners selected as an at large bid and one of only four selected from the Midwest Region.

The at-large bids are determined by where the individual finishes at the regional. The first four runners to finish, not on a qualifying team, receive an at-large bid. Hedgecock was one of those four at the Midwest Regional. 31 teams are selected to appear at the tournament, each with seven runners. The 38 individual qualifiers will make up the rest of the field.

Hedgecock has had a great season with the Tigers in 2007. Aside from qualifying, Hedgecock just missed earning All-Big 12 honors by three spots by finishing 18th at the Big 12 Championships. He also claimed the overall title at the Bradley Classic on his way to earning a personal record. Hedgecock was the Tigers top finisher all but one race this season, and set personal records in both the 8K and the 10K races.

For more information on Hedgecock and the NCAA National Championships, stay tuned to www.mutigers.com.