Dec. 12, 2006

DAYTON, Ohio - The University of Dayton honored three stand-out men's cross country runners at its annual awards banquet on Sunday. The award ceremony, held at Time Warner Flight Deck in the University of Dayton Arena, recognized the most valuable and most improved runners on the team. In addition, head coach Rich Davis also presented the "High Flyer" award.

The Most Valuable Runner award was given to sophomore Mike Andersen who was voted the MVR for the second-consecutive year. During the fall season, Andersen set new team records in the 5K, 8K, and 10K and led the Flyers in every race. The Michigan native earned Atlantic 10 Men's Cross Country Performer of the Week honors three times throughout the season. In addition, he was the only Flyer to make the A-10 all conference team.

Sophomore Mike Peters was named the Most Improved Runner on the team. As a freshman, Peters only competed in one race for the Flyers. Although injury hampered his 2005 season, he came back stronger than ever in 2006, running six varsity cross country races posting three personal-bests along the way. One of his races included a fourth man finish at the All-Ohio Championships.

Matt Manning rounded out the awards for the UD as he was named the 2006 "High Flyer;" an award that recognizes a student-athletes leadership and academic achievements Manning started the year with a strong spring season setting a personal-best in the 5000m. Come fall, he placed as the 10th and 12th man in two meets. The senior Flyer also earned honors in 2004 as the team's Most Improved Runner.

The Flyers finished there season with a 98-58 record and saw some of the best performances by runners on the team. These strong performances included a second- place NCAA Division I finish at the Flyer 5K and a school-best finish of 19th place at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional. Out of the Top 50 fastest times in school history, thirteen times are held by three members of the current team. Additionally, nine Flyers have personal bests on the "Harrier Heroes" list that ranks the Top 35 personal bests in school history.

The Flyers are set to begin their spring track season at the All-Ohio Indoor Championships at Bowling Green State University on February 10.