VERMILLION, S.D. -- Western State, paced by Kelly Christensen, captured the North Central Region men's team title on Saturday afternoon at the Don Baker Cross Country Course in Vermillion, S.D.

Western State scored 32 points in the men's competition, edging Adams State with 33 points. Colorado-Colorado Springs was third with 98 points and South Dakota was fourth with 138 points. Minnesota State-Mankato was fifth with 144 points and Minnesota-Duluth was sixth with 184 points. All six teams qualified for nationals. The two individuals that were not on a top six team and qualified for nationals included Luke Garringer of Nebraska-Kearney (14th, 32:07)and Laurence McDaris of Colorado School of Mines (19th, 32:25).

Christensen, who remained unbeaten this year, finished the 10K race in 30:33 and won the individual title. Western State took three of the top four spots in the race. Oliver Bodor was second (30:39) and William Banks fourth (30:46). Adams State was led by Jesus Solis, who was third in 30:40. Joshua Merrick of Adams State was fifth (30:50).

Team Points -- 1. Western State 32 2. Adams State 33 3. Colorado-Colorado Springs 98 4. South Dakota 138 5. MSU-Mankato 144 6. Minnesota-Duluth 184 7. Colorado School of Mines 195 8. Augustana 223 9. Fort Hays State 238 10. North Dakota 253 11. Nebraska-Kearney 265 12. Fort Lewis 268 13. New Mexico 379 14. Northern State 436 15. Regis 441 16. St. Cloud State 459 17. Concordia-St. Paul 466 18. MSU-Moorhead 546 19. Wayne State 552 20. Winona State 576

Top 15 Finishers 1. Kelly Christensen, Western State, 30.33 2. Oliver Bodor, Western State, 30:39 3. Jesus Solis, Adams State, 30:40 4. Williams Banks, Western State, 30:46 5. Joshua Merrick, Adams State, 30:50 6. Mohamed Aden, Adams State, 31:00 7. Tum Moses, Colorado-Colorado Springs, 31:03 8. Aucencio Martinez, Adams State, 31:15 9. Tony Turgeon, South Dakota, 31:26 10. Levi Brathall, Colorado-Colorado Springs, 31:41 11. Reid Ellis, Adams State, 31:47 12. Cody Waite, Western State, 31:56 13. Scott Swearingen, Western State, 32:02 14. Luke Garringer, Nebraska-Kearney, 32:07 15. Robb Winterfeld, Minnesota-Duluth, 32:13