The Valparaiso men’s cross country squads from 1963, 1964 and 1965 put together perhaps the most impressive run of high finishes in national competition in Valparaiso athletics history.

The Crusaders placed fourth in the NCAA College Division national meet in 1963, seventh in 1964 and third in 1965, leading the Vidette Messenger to write “...for a record unmatched by any other competitors and one which makes Valparaiso a national power on the cross country scene.” 

Over the three years, the Crusaders won 26 of 28 dual meets, five of six invitationals, a pair of Indiana Collegiate Conference team championships and three Indiana Little State titles. 

The team members who ran at the NCAA national meet were:

1963 - James Greiner, Bill Harbeck, Robert Nimtz, LeRoy Schramm, Mike Urio, Wesley Weinhold, Bill Wooden, Darrell Zimmerman (coach)

1964 - Rich Nehring, Robert Nimtz, LeRoy Schramm, Gerald Stoll, Mike Urio, Wesley Weinhold, Bill Wooden, Darrell Zimmerman (coach)

1965 - Roger Anderson, David Esterline, Steve May, David Peters, LeRoy Schramm, Gerald Stoll, Bill Wooden, Glenn Hays (coach)