Methodist University Athletics

The 1987 men's cross country team enjoyed one of the finest seasons in program history, recording six top-five finishes in eight meets, including two team victories. The Monarchs captured the DIAC Championship for the second time in program history, with head coach Jeff DeGraw earning Coach of the Year honors. John Storms claimed the individual conference title, while Storms, Brian Cole, Gregg Coleman, and Brian Tyre were all named First Team All-Conference. Storms and Cole later added All-Region honors.

The 1988 squad elevated the program to even greater heights. The Monarchs posted six top-five finishes, won three meets, and climbed into the national rankings for the first time in school history at No. 19. They concluded the season with a third-place finish at the NCAA South Regional, still the highest regional finish in program history. Rodney Rothoff and John Storms earned All-Region honors and became the first Methodist men's cross country student-athletes to qualify for the NCAA Division III Championships.