Published: November 19, 2007 11:54 pm         

Liberty senior McDougal holds off Oregon’s Rupp by one second in epic race for men's cross country individual title

TERRE HAUTE — An 11-time All-American prior to Monday, Liberty University senior Josh McDougal just hadn’t been able to get the job done since arriving on the NCAA cross country championship scene in 2004 with a 13-place finish as a freshman.

McDougal was fourth as a sophomore, and then last year’s disappointing 27th-place mark in muddy conditions provided more fuel for his fire.

McDougal finally claimed the elusive title Monday at LaVern Gibson Championship Course.

Oregon’s Galen Rupp almost took away the opportunity though. Both men were fighting each other and themselves down the final straightaway before McDougal pulled ahead by just enough.

McDougal broke a few strides ahead and collapsed as he crossed the finish line one second ahead of Rupp in a time of 29:22.4.

“I was pretty much flat out coming into the home stretch,” McDougal said after recovering from his collapse. “I think we probably ran right around 14 minutes for that last 5K … that was into the wind and that’s not fast conditions. It was just flat out in the last mile-and-a-half almost. That last 50 meters I almost fell over my legs were so heavy.”

The New York state native who was home schooled and attends the small Baptist university in Lynchburg, Va., used a a verse from the book of Proverbs in the Bible to explain his ability to win in his last chance.

“To serve the Lord teaches a man wisdom and humility comes before honor,” he said, quoting the scripture.

“And this is the only race I haven’t won.”

McDougal made his final move and gradually pulled away.

“I was just exhausted. Even after I made that move on Galen with 100 meters to go, I was barely lifting my legs. I was expecting [Rupp] to go around me at any moment.”

Rupp said he lost to a worthy competitor and enjoyed the race, until he had pushed his body to the limit.

“I think we were both dying. We were both feeling it. I was just telling myself to drive,” he said. “I might have went a little bit too early. He ran an unbelievable race. He’s the champ.”

“Coming back up on him was a big boost mentally,” Rupp added. “Right when I caught him, I tried to pick it up and bury him there. He did a great job of hanging on.”

Look for McDougal and Rupp to possibly have more battles in the future as they vie to represent the United States in upcoming Olympic competition.

“He trains 130 miles a week so he could probably run a good marathon,” Liberty coach Brandt Tolsma said of McDougal. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see him run a marathon next fall. He’s planning right now to stay in Lynchburg and train with his brother [Liberty junior] Jordan [McDougal].”

Lopez Lomong of Northern Arizona took third after being among a group of more than 20 runners within a few seconds of the lead at the race’s halfway point.

The Iona Gaels, a team with runners hailing from the United States as well as Kenya and Uganda, placed second with their top five ranging from 14th to 45th.