Cal Poly Pomona Athletics

The Cal Poly Pomona men's cross country team put together a solid showing Saturday at the NCAA Division II West Region Championships, placing sixth to finish just one spot out of advancing to nationals.

Junior Ryan Carrell punched his ticket to Missouri though as he placed seventh to qualify individually for the NCAA Division II National Championships to be held Nov. 17, marking his first-career appearance at that level of competition. He'll also be the first CPP runner to reach nationals since the 2006 Broncos' squad qualified. The junior from Westminster recorded a 32:23.13 mark Saturday with a 5:13 mile pace.

Although it's uncommon for a cross country runner to place better at the regional race as compared to a conference meet, Carrell did exactly that Saturday in the 10,000-meter race through the scenic Kahuku Golf Course. After finishing ninth at the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championships two weeks ago, Carrell placed fourth among CCAA competitors Saturday while taking sixth overall. For Carrell, this marks the second-straight season that he's collected All-West Region honors.