Bermuda runner Dage Minors and his Franklin Pierce University men’s cross-country team-mates have earned a place at the NCAA Nationals later this month after a sterling performance at their Regionals.

Minors finished 28th the race in a time of 32 minutes, 57.9 seconds, an encouraging result for the freshman whose run helped towards his team’s total.

Although unhappy with his final placing, Minors said he was happy to help the school to the Nationals that take place on November 23 in Spokane, Washington.

“It was tough race, very cold, a couple hills, and fast people but it is also the first time I had run a 10K all season so that was pleasing,” he said.

“I was a little disappointed that I didn’t make all region honours, which is the top 25, because I was 28th but I came in and got good points for my team.”

With a total of 97 points from their top five runners, Franklin Pierce were second only to Stonehill College and just ahead of University of Wilmington, Delaware.

By finishing among the top three in the region, Minors and his team-mates earned a spot in the NCAA Division II National Championships.

Three Franklin runners led the charge and for their efforts received All-East Region honours.

Junior Antoine Gisore (31:57.3) placed seventh out of 185 competitors, and was the highest finisher for Franklin.

Freshman B.J. Smith (32:23.7) was second for the team, and 13th overall, while sophomore Makopa Rugabirwa (32:31.3) was 17th.

Sophomore Isaac Fithian (33:11.7) was the fifth Franklin runner to count towards the vital team score.

With a spot in the championships confirmed, Minors said he would be ready for the biggest test of his young career, and has backed the team to spring a few surprises.

“I think Nationals will be just as tough. We haven’t heard much about the course yet but I don’t think we have seen our best yet because our top seven runners — three of us are freshmen, as well as three sophomores and one junior — are still young and learning

“I’ve raced some pretty tough schools this year in New England including Dartmouth, Harvard, Boston College, Boston University, all of which are solid Division I schools.”