WINGATE, N.C. --- Tusculum College junior Simon Holzapfel finished ninth at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Men's Cross Country Championship Saturday morning on the campus of Wingate University.

Holzapfel, the 2009 South Atlantic Conference Runner of the Year, finished with a time of 32:45 on the 10K layout. It marked the first time this season that Holzapfel did not claim individual meet honors in his six races this fall.

Queens University of Charlotte won the men's team title for a third straight year as the Royals placed five runners in the top 11. Columbus State University finished second and Mars Hill College placed third as all three teams earn trips to the NCAA National Championship by virtue of their regional finish.

Queens senior Oscar Ogwaro defended his regional title by edging CSU junior Meshack Koyiaki at the tape.

UNC Pembroke freshman Pardon Ndhlovu and Clayton State junior Fidelis Mutiso each qualified for the national championship meet as individuals as Holzapfel finished one spot out of qualifying for the national meet.

But for a second straight year, Holzapfel earns All-Region honors by virtue of placing in the top 15.

Tusculum rookie David Parham posted a time of 38:41 to finish 119th, while Ben Hale finished 134th with his time of 39:40.

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