Louisville, KY – Geneva′s head cross country coach Bret Otte may have summed it up the best on Saturday. “It is a bittersweet day for Geneva College and Golden Tornadoes athletics,” said Otte at the NAIA national cross country championships in Louisville, KY. Geneva′s fall athletic season officially came to an end on Saturday with three Golden Tornadoes competing on the national stage with the best runners in the NAIA.

Andrew Foxenberg on the men′s side and Beth Bartolomeo and Dee Koutsourais for the women, all competed at the NAIA national meet on Saturday morning.

On a very wet and muddy surface, the runners were forced to compete in less than desirable conditions. For Koutsourais, who was Geneva′s top female runner all season, cramping caused a below-average and disappointing finish for the senior in her final meet.

On the positive side, Beth Bartolomeo broke the 20 minute barrier and put together a solid effort in finishing in the top half as she competed at the national meet for the first time.

On the men′s side, Foxenberg finished in the top 150 for another solid outing on the national stage for the second time in as many years.

“I couldn′t be prouder of these runners,” said Otte. “They have all trained so hard and really deserve this opportunity. It was unfortunate that Dee was unable to be at 100% to provide a showcase for all she has accomplished this year and throughout her career, but that is just how things go. However, I am very excited for everything this team has accomplished throughout the fall. This is a great way to end the season.”

Geneva College, which is competing in its final year as a member of the NAIA, is set to join the Presidents′ Athletic Conference and NCAA Division III beginning in the fall of 2007.