WINNECONNE, Wisc. – Sophomore Liam Galligan (Springfield, PA/Galligan Academy) rounded out his second season with the Franciscan men's cross country team with the highest individual finish for a Baron at the NCAA DIII National Championship meet as he finished 63^rd overall, Saturday afternoon.
 
In his first race on the national stage, Galligan fought hard in a tightly contested men's national championship race. Galligan finished 63^rd overall with a time of 25:20.9, the highest individual finish for the Barons and his third-fastest time of the season.
 
"It's always a fast start at nationals and Grace and Liam both got out fast and put themselves in great position," remarked head coach Dan Kuebler.
 
The pack ran tight as there was a pile up of runners early on behind Galligan. The Springfield, PA native kept his composure and place in the pack as crossed the 2.3K mark with a time of 7:10. Gallgian hit the 3K mark at 9:20.6 just ahead of Matt Svetz from Allegheny. Though Galligan lost a few places at the 5K (17:58.6) and 5.6K (22:30.2) marks, the sophomore moved up 12 spots over the last 400 meters. Galligan was able to over take 12 runners and finished a step ahead of Trey Razanauskas from Case Western Reserve to finished 63^rd in his first national championship meet.
 
While the finish is not what Galligan hoped for at the meet, his finish and season were something of distinction. Galligan won his second-straight AMCC individual title, led the Barons to their first team title since 2010, was named AMCC Runner of the Year for the second-straight year and earned Mideast All-Regions honors for the second straight season.
 
"Liam gave it a great effort today. He leaves everything on the course and today was no exception. Couldn't be the prouder of the effort he gave," concluded Coach Kuebler.