WINNECONNE, Wisc. – Brad Hodkinson posted the best finish by a Pacific Lutheran men's runner in 14 years, as the Lute runner closed out his freshman season placing 187th at the NCAA Div. III National Championship Meet Saturday at Lake Breeze Golf Course.

"Today was a great experience for Brad," PLU head coach Heather Kreier said. "He now knows what it takes to run with the big boys. His season PR could yield him a future All-America berth in the coming years."

Hodkinson finished the men's 8k race with a total time of 25:58.8 to place 187th overall. That marks the highest finish for a PLU men's runner at the national meet since Ryan Reed placed 10th overall in 2001 as a senior.

"Today's race was an eye opener," Hodkinson said. "It was the best of the best, and it was highly competitive. I felt honored to represent PLU, and I'm excited to train hard to see how much further I can push myself."

Wisconsin-Platteville's Ian LaMere won the individual national title by nearly 40 seconds with a championship time of 23:35, while Wisconsin-Eau Claire won the team title with 135 total points. For Hodkinson, the national meet capped a freshman season that included a pair of meet titles, first-team All-Northwest Conference honors and All-West Region recognition. His first-year success could give way to even greater achievements in the future, according to Kreier.

"Brad was the 20th freshman to finish today, and the top 20 freshmen all finished within 40 seconds of each other," Kreier said. "So as a young harrier, making it to the show was a huge step in his collegiate development. I'm very proud of his efforts and grit today."