SAN ANTONIO (Nov. 18, 2011) -- Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) freshman David "Duke" Duque has qualified for the NAIA National Tournament after placing 10th at the Red River Athletic Conference Championship Tournament. He ran a time of 27:43, a school record for the 8K and a personal best time.

Duque becomes the first male cross-country runner from his school to attend the tourney. "I'm nervous," says Duque, "but to be the first guy to ever go to nationals. That's pretty exciting." 

Duque is expecting the competition to be tough, so he has been preparing to the best of his abilities. Duque adds, "I've been running harder to perform better."

Head coach Stephen Sherman is expecting Duque to race beyond his game. He predicts he will finish at the top half of the race."I am very excited and very proud," says Coach Sherman. "Duke is the first guy to ever go (from OLLU). It's a huge deal."

The meet will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, in Fort Vancouver, Wa.