Earlham College

The 1996 men’s cross country team compiled a 43-12-1 overall record along with a 14-0-1 mark in NCAC competition. Earlham tallied 75 points at the conference meet, tying with Wittenberg University for the league title, Earlham’s second in as many seasons. Senior Dave Cleveland and juniors Troy Gottfried and Tim Kidder earned All-NCAC recognition.

“The 1996 men's cross country team was a clear favorite to repeat as NCAC champions until we lost our top runner, Dave Brummel, to injury,” Pat Thomas, head coach of the team, recalled.  “Dave Cleveland, Troy Gottfried, and Tim Kidder were front runners all season and finished in the top ten at the conference championships, but our championship tie was secured by the gutsy late-race running of Kevin McKinzey and Mike Fisher. Each passed more than then runners during the last two miles."