The NIU cross country team owns the Benedictine Invitational. For the fourth consecutive year, head coach Connie Teaberry’s squad finished first in team competition.

A herd of NIU runners dotted the Top 10 and Christina Nieto led the way with a third-place finish of 19:30.9. Jessica Schauff (fourth place), Stacey Rosch (sixth place) and Nayomi Hourigan (eighth) also placed in the Top 10.

The turf at the Wisconsin-Parkside Invitational at 1 p.m. Sunday will serve as NIU’s final tune-up before the MAC Championships.

NIU hosts the MAC Championships Oct. 29 and needs volunteer course marshals between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you are interested, contact Sue Hansfield at 753-9544.

TAILGATING THE AIRWAYS

Chicago’s WSCR AM-670 ‘The Score’ will broadcast from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday from the east side of Huskie Stadium before NIU’s 99th Homecoming game against Eastern Michigan.

TENNIS, ANYONE?

The NIU men’s tennis team picked up individual and doubles wins at the Wisconsin Invitational. NIU fared best on day two of the three-day event, as it posted four wins in the singles competition and two in doubles.

Alex Friesen won all three of his singles matches and added a doubles win on day three. It was an impressive debut for the freshman from Vancouver, British Columbia.

“All of our guys learned a lot at this invitational,” coach Pontus Hiort said, “but Friesen especially stood out and handled his matches well.”

NIU also received solid play from Diego Zegarra-Ballon Burga, who was undefeated in singles and doubles in the first two days of competition.

NIU is back on the court this weekend for another non-team-scoring event at the Marquette Invitational in Milwaukee.

WAIT ’TIL NEXT YEAR

In its final tournament of the fall season, the NIU women’s golf team finished 14th in a 19-team field at the Shootout at the Legends Tournament. Lisa Bailey followed a disastrous opening round of 84 with rounds of 71 and 75 to finish in 39th place.

BASKETBALL TRYOUTS

The NIU men’s basketball team will hold tryouts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. To try out, players must have a valid sports physical. Those interested can call the basketball office at 753-1633.

GET YOUR AUTOGRAPHS

Eight football players will sign autographs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. today in the Holmes Student Center’s University Bookstore. Center Brian Van Acker, quarterback Phil Horvath, running back Garrett Wolfe, receiver Shatone Powers, strong safety Ray Smith, tight end Jake Nordin and defensive end Ken West will be in attendance.