Bethlehem, PA (November 14, 2009) – The DeSales University men’s cross country team ended the 2009 season on a strong note taking home ninth place out of 45 teams at the 2009 NCAA Division III Mid-East Regionals held around the corner at Lehigh University.

The Bulldogs finished with 361 points, just ahead of Grove City College (363) in 10th place. DSU defeated Messiah College, who had beaten the Bulldogs in the MAC Championships a few weeks ago.

Leading the way was senior Andrew Ferretti (Sinking Spring, PA/Wilson) and junior Kevin Gwinn (Center Muriches, NY/Saint Anthony’s). Ferretti was first across in 38th place in a time of 26:16.0 and Gwinn was just behind in 41st place in a time of 26:18.9.

Junior Jack Tarpey (Freehold, NJ/Freehold Township) continued his strong season with a 74th place finish in a time of 26:55.2, while sophomore Brent Clauser (Pottsville, PA/Pottsville) and junior Paul Ecker (Lewes, DE/Cape Henlopen) rounded out the top five in 98th and 110th place. Clauser finished in 27:21.6 and Ecker was across in 27:28.0