The men’s and women’s cross country teams will begin the NCAA regional this Saturday at Illinois State. The tournament will consist of 35 Division I teams from seven different states.

The men’s team edged Eastern Kentucky in the conference championships 28 to 29 to capture its third consecutive OVC title and its fifth in seven years.

The Panthers were led by OVC Player of the Year Kyle O’Brien’s first-place finish with a 24:58.4 time in the 8,000-meter race.

Coach John McInerney said O’Brien had an outstanding year so far and has an excellent shot at qualifying for the national tournament.

The Panthers also saw strong performances from junior Jeff Jonaitis and freshman Dan Mackey who finished third and seventh, respectively.

The women’s team placed third of nine teams, was led by sophomores Angie Simone and Stephanie Bone who finished in third and fourth place individually in the 5,000-meter run.

They were both named to the first-team all-OVC, and McInerney said they both have a good chance to make the all-regional team if they run the way they have been.

Freshman Deb Tygrett and sophomore Kristin Peters ran well and were honored with second-team all-OVC.

The men’s team is feeling good about the race this Saturday because it has been running well and have everybody healthy.

Unfortunately, the women’s team will be without Tygrett, senior Katie Springer, and junior Nichole Milici.

McInerney said Simone and Bone have a good opportunity to make the all-regional team if they run well.

McInerney was awarded his sixth OVC coach of the year award during his 11-year span at Eastern.

“That is just the benefit of having fast runners,” McInerney said. “That would not happen if it wasn’t for the guys who brought home the trophy.”