Kearney, Neb. - Nebraska-Kearney junior Tanner Fruit placed 68th at the 2009 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships Saturday afternoon in Evansville, Indiana.

The event was hosted by the University of Southern Indiana and held at the USI cross country course.

Fruit (Ogallala), battling a foot injury suffered in practice a few weeks ago, ran the course in 33:03. The field consisted of 182 runners with the top 40 finishers earning All-American honors.

Reuben Mwei of Adams State was the individual winner in a time of 30:27.

The Grizzlies once again claimed the national title, scoring 23 points to easily outdistance RMAC-rival Western State (86). Colorado School of Mines was third (153) with Central Region member Augustana 10th (313) and Metro State 14th (369).

UNK will start the track season in early December with its own Pre-Holiday meet