LaMere and Walden garner All-American Cross Country honors

MASON, Ohio -- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Ian LaMere and Joel Walden earned All-American honors at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships on Saturday at the Kings Island Golf Center. 

LaMere cruised through the eight-kilometer course in 24:01, clocking the fastest 8k time in school history, and finished fifth to earn All-American status. The sophomore from Green Bay, Wis., was just over 16 seconds behind national champion Grant Wintheiser from St. Olaf. 

"My goals was to win, but I am very happy with a top-five finish, and I am excited for my final two seasons because I can only get better," said LaMere. 

"Going into today's race I was more focused and knew I had to get out faster than I did last year," said Walden. 

The senior from Bryon, Ill., got out to a much better start, and went on to set a new personal record with at time of 24:29, good for 20th-place and garnering All-American honors. 

"It feels awesome to be an All-American and it has been my goal for the last four years," said Walden. "It is a great way to end by cross country career and will set me up well for the upcoming track season." 

LaMere and Walden become the ninth and 10th Pioneers to earn All-American honors and the first since Jason Garvens and Patrick Klein in 2010.