Men's Cross Country 08-09

In the latest Division III cross country national poll released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, the Denison men's cross country team debuted as the 28th-ranked team in the nation.

The Big Red, who are currently fifth in the Great Lakes Region, has finished second in two of their first three races this season. DU's last runner up performance came at the Cedarville Invitational where they took second to No. 5 Carnegie Mellon.

Denison's success has come in large part to the outstanding performances by freshman Dee Salukumbo (Lakewood, Ohio/Lakewood) and senior Grant Russo (Medina, Ohio/Medina). Both runners have finished in the top ten in all four races this season. Salukumbo won his first two collegiate races, including a victory in the Great Lakes College Association Championships. He also took second at the Cedarville event and fourth at the Calvin Invitational. Russo has been right on the heels of his teammate which included a second-place finish at the GLCA Championships. The Medina native has also recorded finishes of third, fourth and sixth place in his senior campaign.

The Big Red received this national recognition as they prepare for the All-Ohio Championships on Oct. 10 at Ohio Wesleyan University.