Nov. 17, 2008

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama men's cross country coach Joe Walker led the No. 5 nationally ranked Crimson Tide through their 13th week of practice and the NCAA South Region Championships. The squad defended last year's title by bringing home yet another South Region Championship Saturday.

Alabama used the race this weekend as a really good workout in order to be rested for the NCAA Championships being held in just nine days. Despite a 1-2-3 finish by the Auburn Tigers, the Tide was able to overcome and still finish all five runners in the top 18 and win the meet by 10 points. All five runners were named to the All-South Region Team.

"We are coming off a very `smart' performance at regional," Walker said. "The guys managed the qualifier the right way and