TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — One race. One last opportunity to leave a lasting impression after four years of hard work, early morning practices, injuries, victories and tears.

Before the gun sounded for the NCAA championships at the LaVern Gibson Championship course, Michigan men’s cross country captain Lex Williams, along with fellow senior Seth Thibodeau and fifth-year senior Justin Switzer, had a lot to think about.

It was the last time time they would wear the block 'M' across their chests in a cross-country race. The last time they would run for something more than individual accolades: an NCAA team title.

It was the last time they would huddle around their teammates after a disappointing race.

Unfortunately for the Wolverines, a national title wasn't in the cards. Michigan couldn't overcome the stiff competition and strong winds. They placed a disappointing 24th out of 31 teams, after hoping to improve on an equal finish in last year's meet.

Oregon bested the field to claim the team championship with 93 points. The Ducks placed all seven runners in the top 60 in a field of 252.

Redshirt sophomore Cirian O’Lionard was the Wolverines' top finisher, crossing the line 54th (30:38). Just a few seconds behind, junior Sean McNamara placed 61st (30:42). They were joined by sophomore Craig Forys who came in 108th (31:11), Williams in 146th (31:33) and Thibodeau with a 153rd-place finish (31:37).

Redshirt senior Galen Rupp of Oregon took the individual title with a time of 28:43, a new course record.

At 5,000 meters, Michigan established a small pack of three runners around 60th place, setting up for a strong finish.

But the Wolverines couldn't match the pace of the other teams. The Michigan runners got separated during the last half of the race, forcing them to abandon their pack strategy.

The Wolverines were aiming to have their first top-10 performance at the NCAA championships since 2003.

Despite the performance, Michigan has many things to look to next season as it returns several runners with two years of experience at the NCAA championships.

Maybe in the last race of their collegiate careers, next season's seniors will capitalize on their last opportunity to bring a Big Ten title back to Ann Arbor, and perhaps an NCAA title as well.