VANCOUVER, Wash. -- John-Paul Williamson competed as an individual today representing the Lindsey Wilson College men's cross country program at the 2012 NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championships.

The race was contested at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Williamson posted a time of 27 minutes and 20 seconds over the 8,000-meter course to end in 220th place in the 309-man field. Williamson's time was nearly two minutes off is pace during the Mid-South Conference Championships on Nov. 3.

The Master's (Calif.) senior John Gilbertson won the individual national title in 23:56. University of St. Francis (Ill.) won the team title with a score of 138 points. Southern Oregon University finished second with 153 points.

Williamson -- competing in his first national championship -- capped a solid freshman season by making into the field. He earned his ticket to the race based on their finish at the conference meet.

During that race, Williamson earned Mid-South Conference Freshman of the Year honors.

Today, Williamson became the 34th LWC men's harrier to compete at the national championship and the first since 2008.