Lawrence, KS - St. Andrews University cross country athlete, Tyler Beaver (SR/Hillsborough, NC), made his way to Lawrence, Kan. this weekend to compete in the NAIA National Cross Country Championship as an individual. 

Beaver, a senior, qualified for the Nationals after a great season and finished in 233rd place, running 27:32.5 in the 8K (6.2 miles). This was his National debut, which he achieved by qualifying 5th in the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament where he ran 26:47 minutes in the 8K.

Beaver was the first Nationals qualifier since Mitch Cooper in 2008.

Oklahoma City took the National title, while Southern Oregon and Olivet Nazarene followed close behind to take to place in the top three of the NAIA Nationals.

Benard Keter of Wayland Baptist placed first (24:36.40), DJ Flores of Eastern Oregon placed second (24:41.30), and Peter Koskey of Oklahoma City placed third (24:44.2).