University of Mary cross country coach Mike Thorson didn't hold a grudge toward Russ and Matt Neff.

The brothers from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, announced to Thorson they were transferring when U-Mary announced its plans to transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

The Neffs followed former Minot State coach Scott Simmons to Virginia Intermont College where they were part of two national NAIA championship teams.

"Competing at nationals is a big deal for us,"Matt said. "It's not a great thing to tell somebody (you're leaving). Coach Thorson was fairly understanding. We wanted to compete in nationals while we still had the chance."

Russ is a senior biology major and plans to attend medical school. Matt is a senior academically and a junior in terms of sports eligibility. He's majoring in business.

Virginia Intermont dropped its cross country program, leaving the Neffs looking for a new school.

U-Mary seemed like the perfect fit since the NCAA lifted its final two years from its probationary status. The Neffs now have their chance to qualify for the national meet at the NCAA Division IIlevel.

Thorson welcomed the brothers back into U-Mary's program.

"I don't blame them for leaving,"Thorson said. "Iwould have done the same thing if I had their talent. They wanted an opportunity we couldn't provide for them. For me, I don't hold any ill will toward the Neff brothers"

The Neff brothers missed U-Mary's campus and their friends in Bismarck. They were given offers from other schools, but decided to come back where they began their collegiate athletic careers.

"The team here gets along really well," Matt said. "I had a lot of friends here. Iwould come back and visit them as much as I could."

Thorson believes the Neff brothers can make an impact in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

Both runners display separate styles, Thorson said. Matt shines in longer distances. Russ thrives better in terms of speed.

The Neffs grew up with parents who are into fitness running. Moose Jaw's high school cross country program is noted for producing successful runners.

"Both understand the training and what needs to be done,"Thorson said. "They understand the importance of sleep and nutrition. It's enjoyable to work with athletes who understand the little things become major things."

The Neffs are hoping their experience at Virginia Intermont can carry over with the Marauders.

"Every day you had good athletes around you,"Russ said. "I would be running in the middle of the pack and I was used to being up front. We had guys going to the U.S. championships and guys from Kenya that were going pro."

While the Neffs are happy to be back at U-Mary, there were no regrets about following Simmons to Virginia Intermont.

"We got so much out of going to Virginia,"Matt said. "When you're on a team that won two national titles, it's hard to regret that."

Rosters

Men

SeniorsKurt Rettig, Medina. Russell Neff, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. JuniorMatt Neff, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. SophomoreMichael Flores, La Puente, Calif. FreshmenMark McLaughlin, Las Vegas. Pat Paradis, Helena, Mont. Nick Lopez-Prelle, Hot Springs, S.D. Bennett Mayo, Zillah, Wash. Quincy Pierce, South Heart. Andrew Reichenberger, Bismarck.

Women

SeniorsKristen Frohlich, Monroe, Utah. Ivy Roe, Kindred. JuniorsMichelle Huxtable, Riverton, Wyo. Hannah Moen, Galesburg. SophomoresCassie Blazer, Mandan. Brandee DeVine, Bonney Lake, Wash. Whitney Fridley, Dickinson. Renae Swift, San Marcos, Calif. FreshmenJordyn Cook, Eagle Butte, S.D. Elosia Espana, Bell Gardens, Calif. Kristen Neumiller, Monroe, Utah. Alyson Piccolo, Stanwood, Wash.

Schedule

Sept. 15at Minot State Invitational and at South Dakota State Invitational (Brookings, S.D.).

Sept. 29at University of Minnesota Roy Griak Invitational (St. Paul, Minn.).

Oct. 5at Northern State Roe Granger Invitational (Aberdeen, S.D.).

Oct. 20at Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championships (Winona, Minn.).

Nov. 3at NCAA North Central Regional Championships (Vermillion, S.D.).

Nov. 17at NCAA Division II Championships (Missouri State, Joplin, Mo.).