VANCOUVER, Wash. - Three Ashford cross country runners finished out their 2011 season at the NAIA National Championships on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Sophomore Brian Meyer, freshman Alex Gonzales,and senior Doug Powers made the trip to the Pacific Northwest to compete with some of the nation's top runners.

Despite the long hours needed to arrive in Washington, the Saints came away from the experience with some positive momentum to end the year.

"These guys worked through a lot this year," Saints Head Coach Tyson Graham said.  "Between injuries, a two hour time difference, jet lag, and their peaks set up in their training for conference and not national; I feel we ran well. All three posted the fastest times of the year on a course and that's how you want to end the year."

Meyer wrapped up his second season with the Ashford program by recording the school's second-fastest time in the 8K race at 26:44. Meyer would finish in 219th place overall.

Gonzales showed that he may be ready to challenge Meyer for the team's top spot next year, finishing in 262nd place after running a season-best time of 27:10.

Powers ended his collegiate career with his second trip to the National Tournament, and finished in 277th place after running a time of 27:40.