Wingate’s Watson, Carson-Newman’s Morris Compete In Cross Country National Championship

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Wingate University senior cross country student-athlete Jayce Watson (Millersport, Ohio) and Carson-Newman College senior Aubrey Morris (Chattanooga, Tenn.) wrapped up their careers at the 2008 NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships at Cooper's Lake Campground.

Watson completed a illustrious four-year career Saturday. Watson finished in 121st place with a 10K time of 33:37. The Millersport High School product is the two-time South Atlantic Conference Runner of the Year.

The SAC Scholar-Athlete Award winner back-to-back seasons, Watson will write his name in the history books as the first Bulldog male to qualify for the national meet. Watson qualified for the NCAA Division II national championship meet as an individual three straight years.

Jayce Watson

Aubrey Morris

Morris competed in the championship race and finished 71st with a time of 23:21. She crossed the finish line three minutes behind top finisher Jessica Pixler (Seattle Pacific). The women's championship race featured 189 runners from across the nation.

With the finish in the national championships, Morris ends her senior season on a high note. Morris captured the South Atlantic Conference Runner of the Year honor, four regular season individual titles and two second place finishes. She was also named to the All-South Atlantic Conference and All-Region teams.

With the conclusion of the national championship, the Carson-Newman cross country season draws to a close. The Lady Eagles most recently finished ninth in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regionals, while the Eagles finished their season taking 13th.

The 2008 event was hosted by Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

Adams State University of Colorado walked away with both the men's and women's team championships Saturday in the 2008 NCAA® Division II Cross Country Championships. Senior Scott Bauhs of Chico State University (Calif.) won the individual championship with a time of 30:21. Bauhs led his team to a third-place team finish.