WINGATE, N.C. - For the first time in program history, the Flagler College men's cross country team advanced to the NCAA DII National Championship after placing third at the NCAA Southeast Regional this morning, hosted by Wingate University.

Four Saints in Finn Russell, Axel Dabe, Will Stone and Miquel Fons all received all-region honors after placing in the top 25. The Saints competed against a pool of 173 runners, with all finishers placing in the top 40. With an average time of 32.18, the Saints scored 83 points. Catawba College finished in fourth, 26 points behind Flagler while Anderson University (S.C.) placed second, with 25 points ahead of Flagler.

Russell continued to lead the Saints through another strong finish, placing eighth overall in 31:37.9. This is the highest finish Russell has done in his two appearances at the Southeast Regional. Racing in a collegiate 10k for the first time, Dabe placed second for the Saints and 14th overall with a time of 32:08.2. Dabe is one of two freshman throughout the entire race to earn all-region.

Stone and Fons finished as a pair. Both Stone and Fons placed career highs in placement finish as Stone placed 16th and Fons placed 17th. Stone crossed the line in 32:17.5 while Fons, with a new personal record, placed 32:20.3.

Kaleb Hollins and Bryce Dufrene had a sprint to the finish as .7 of a second separated the two. Placing 28th overall, Hollins finished in 33:07.2 while Dufrene took 29th in a personal best 33:07.9. Brandon Knieja rounded out the Saints with a 39th, 33:26.8 finish.

The Saints will take on the National Championship on Nov. 22 at the Wayne E Dannehl National Cross Country Course in Kenosha, Wisconsin.