Blake DeLong Gears Up for NCAA DII Cross Country Nationals

Senior Blake DeLong will compete at the NCAA DII Cross Country National meet this coming weekend, November 23rd in Spokane, Washington. DeLong is the first athlete in McKendree history to qualify for a NCAA National Championship. 

"It feels really good to be the first person from McKendree to qualify for a National championship," DeLong said. "I hope that I'm paving the way for future McKendree cross country teams, and showing the guys on the team that with a lot of hard work and perseverance, they can make the National championship, too."

Cross country head coach Michael Mendez says his first season as the head coach has been extremely rewarding. “This has been a season of firsts. This year marked our first season participating in the NCAA Midwest Region and the first season with the opportunity to qualify for NCAA Nationals. Blake DeLong was our first cross country GLVC Runner of the Week, first McKendree athlete to be named All-Region, and first of our University’s athletes to qualify for NCAA Nationals. He has a real shot at becoming our first All-American, and what a first that would be.”

With Nationals only a few days away, DeLong has a plan for his final race of his cross country career.

"As of right now, I am ranked 50th with my time from Regionals, and top 40 are named All-American. But the Regional course was really hilly, and the conditions weren't great. I think on my best day I can get top 20 at Nationals. I'll do my best to represent McKendree and Coach Mendez well."

Coach Mendez could not be happier for his athlete. “I’m very proud of what Blake has earned this year. I assure you he earned it and I hope every athlete could learn a lesson about hard work and how it pays off from this young man.”

Blake DeLong will lace up for his final cross country meet as a McKendree Bearcat on Saturday, November 23rd.