TERRE HAUTE, Ind.; October 14, 2006 - The Penn State Nittany Lions men¡¯s cross country team finished 23rd overall at the Pre-National Invitational Meet, hosted by Indiana State University today at the LaVern Gibson Course. The Lions amassed 613 points in the highly competitive 8000 meter Blue race, which featured nationally-ranked teams Colorado, Arizona, North Carolina State, Providence, and Georgetown.

The top finisher for the Nittany Lions was once again senior leader Dan Mazzocco (Pittsburgh, Pa.), who completed the course in 24:14.2. Mazzocco finished second among Big Ten athletes, with Michigan State¡¯s Stephan Shay finishing 16th overall. Also racing for the Lions were Teddy Quinn (Rush, N.Y.), who placed 71st in 24:42.8, Chris Nirschel (Pittsburgh, Pa.), who ran a 137th place 25:06.8, and Tyler McCandless (Northampton, Pa.), who clocked in at 25:25.6 to take 180th place overall. Dennis Pollow, Dennis O¡¯Connor, and Mike Syrnick held the spread.

Colorado was the top team, with 75 points. Florida State, North Carolina State, UC Santa Barbara, and Georgetown rounded out the top five. Michigan State (12th) and Ohio State (18th) were the only other Big Ten Teams to place in the top 25 in the Blue Race. The individual winner was Martin Fagan of Providence, who holds a top-ten time at Penn State¡¯s home White Course.