For Jaryd Flank, it was mission accomplished.

The Muhlenberg senior set out to earn All-America honors in cross country and did just that, finishing 26th in a starting field of 280 at the NCAA Division III Championships in Louisville, Ky. He is the first All-American in Muhlenberg cross country history.

"I'm beyond happy," he said.

The Mules' other two national qualifiers also acquitted themselves well. Sophomore Corey Mullins finished in the top half of the field, crossing the finish line in 120th place in his first trip to nationals. Junior Jamie Pacilio came in 152nd, a two-place improvement from last year, in the women's race. 

Flank already owned the top two finishes by a Mule at the national meet, coming in 92nd in 2014 and 90th last year. Muhlenberg's first-ever conference champion in cross country capped his phenomenal season, and career, by running smart races at the NCAA Mideast Regional last week and the national meet.

"I went out in like the top 50-60 with Corey," he said. "The first mile was right on pace at a 4:59, and then I tried to just steadily work my way up throughout the race. The last 2K it was just laying out everything I had left to hold on to a top-35 finish.

"It was undoubtedly one of the toughest races I've ever had but the most rewarding, so I'm more than happy with my finish."

complete results: men | women