Matt Dunlap '08 will look to add All-America to his all-state, All-NESCAC and All-New England honors this season. (Tom Leonard photo)

LEWISTON, Maine -- Realizing a goal he had since last season, Bates College senior Matt Dunlap (Farmington, Maine) made the field for the NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country Championships, the NCAA announced on Sunday.

Dunlap, who finished 15th at the NCAA New England Regional Championships on Saturday, received an at-large bid after it was determined that the top five teams from New England would all receive team bids to nationals.

The national championship race will be held this Saturday at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.

"It couldn't have turned out any better for Matt," said Bates coach Al Fereshetian.  "He ran the toughest race of his life and he qualified. He will run the same way in Minnesota, and as he always likes to be, he will be around the front of the pack there too!"

Dunlap, who is also a Nordic skier at Bates, has had an exceptional senior season in cross country, including All-State, All-NESCAC and All-New England honors. The last Bates male to qualify for nationals was Dan Johnson '06 in 2005.

"He has done an incredible job all year as a competitor and a team leader," said Fereshetian.  "This has been one of his goals from the end of last year and to see him realize it is fantastic. He has been a pleasure and privilege to coach."