After hosting a very successful 2008 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Cross-Country Championships, onlookers told Head Coach Ernest Barrett that the school should host an NCAA Regional.  After some thought, Barrett and the rest of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) athletic staff applied to host the 2009 Mid-Atlantic Regional.  One presentation, some forms, a few phone calls and a few questionnaires later, UMES was awarded the 2009 NCAA Division I Cross-Country Mid-Atlantic Region Meet.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this event,” said Director of Athletics Keith Davidson.  “We feel like we will do the University, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the NCAA proud.  We will put on a great show and invite everyone out to see a beautiful course and an incredible event.  We are excited to be the beneficiary of the NCAA’s decision.”

The event will be hosted at the UMES Golf Range/Cross-Country Course on November 14, 2009.  The school received acknowledgment from the NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet earlier this month.  They will also host the 2009 MEAC Cross-Country Championships at the end of October.

“It’s a great honor and privilege for UMES to be chosen by the NCAA to host the 2009 Mid-Atlantic Men’s & Women’ Cross Country Regional Championships,” said Cross-Country/Track & Field Head Coach Ernest Barrett.  “These Championships will bring added exposure and revenue to the Princess Anne, Salisbury and Ocean City area.  Over 35 universities and colleges will participate in this meet and the Hawk family looks forward to hosting all of the athletes, coaches, staff, families and friends and showing them all the Eastern Shore has to offer.”