MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University has been selected to host the NCAA Division II West Regional in cross country at the Ash Creek Preserve for the 2019and 2021 seasons as announced by the NCAA Tuesday.
 
"We are thrilled to be awarded the 2019 and 2021 West Regional Cross Country Championships," WOU Director of Compliance and 2015 NCAA West Regional Tournament Director Randi Lydum said. "We have an amazing course and look forward to bringing the best runners in the West Region to Monmouth for these events."
 
The NCAA received more than 3,000 bid submissions from NCAA member schools, conferences, sports commissions and cities vying to host predetermined rounds for 84 of the NCAA's 90 championships. A total of 613 sites were awarded for this cycle. The respective NCAA sports committees and the divisional championships cabinets/committees reviewed the bid proposals and selected the sites.
 
"The Ash Creek Preserve course is a favorite of our student-athletes with great views for spectators coming to the area for the meet," Lydum said. "We feel it is a championship-level course that prepares the athletes for success in the national meet.
 
"Over the past several years, Ash Creek Preserve has brought thousands of cross country athletes and their supporters, who would have otherwise not had the opportunity to visit our beautiful campus," Western Oregon Cross Country coach Mike Johnson said. "The participants range from middle school to professional athletes. The unique characteristics of our course allow us to host races that meet the needs of all levels of the cross country population."
 
Western Oregon hosted its first regional cross country meet in the 2015 season and is slated to host the event again in 2017. The Wolves will now have the pleasure of hosting the West Regional on either Nov. 9 or 10, 2019 and Nov. 6 or 7, 2021.
 
"The site hosted by Western Oregon is the epitome of a championship cross country course," WOU cross country All-Region selection David Ribich said. "I'm extremely excited about the announcement that we have been selected to host. Unfortunately, I will not be racing for WOU at that time, but I will be an enthusiastic alumni and surely be volunteering at the event."
 
Criteria for selecting the host sites included creating what will be an exceptional experience for the student-athletes, along with adherence to NCAA bid specifications. Specifications can include, but are not limited to, providing optimal facilities; ease of travel to the location and ample lodging; and adherence to NCAA principles, which include providing an atmosphere that is safe and respects the dignity of all attendees.
 
"We want to thank everyone who submitted a bid for this cycle of championship site selections and for their continued commitment during the process," said Joni Comstock, NCAA senior vice president of championships. "We look forward to working with our membership, the cities and local organizing committees who may host for the first time, as well as the groups who will repeat as host sites. I also want to acknowledge and thank the sports committees that reviewed these exceptional bids and made the selections based on providing the best possible experience for our student-athletes, coaches and spectators."