Grant ends career with 4th place finish at NCAA Meet
Jon Denham, Sports Information Director
November 19, 2007

Powered by nothing more than his own feet, legs, mind, and will power, Loras College cross country runner Ben Grant ran off into the sunset on Saturday when he pushed himself to a fourth place finish at the NCAA III National Cross Country meet in 24:43 in his final intercollegiate race. In what was a career best effort, Grant trimmed an absurd 27 seconds off his time from a week earlier at the same course in the central region meet. During that race, the Peosta, Iowa native outran every opponent except one. This time, only three runners were faster of the 280 who started the race.

The race was the fourth best in Loras history as well, ten seconds from the programs best time of 24:33 set in 2003 by Marcus Murphy. Third on the list is Chris O'Donnel (24:37, 1986) and second is Chuck Korte (24:36, 1974).

Regarding Grant's efforts during his senior season, head coach Bob Schultz said, "He ran an amazing race, definitely his best race as a Duhawk. We were hoping for a top 10, so to finish fourth in the country is remarkable. He was having a rough season (missing the top 20 at Augustana and fifth at the Pre-Nationals). He has always been a gamer and runs well when it counts the most. He won't remember where he finished at Augustana, but he'll remember where he finished at Nationals. I'm really proud of him and we sure are going to miss him."