Richard Harris (Rochester/Hilton) captured a third place finish in the national finals of the 55-meter hurdles, and earned All-America status at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at Illinois Wesleyan University this weekend.

The senior posted a finishing time of 7.49, shattering the Buffalo State record of 7.59, which he set earlier in the season.

Harris finished among the top-eight in yesterday’s preliminary round, posting a time of 7.62. The time qualified him for the final meet this afternoon and earned him All-America status.

Harris’ race wrapped up the 2005 indoor season for Buffalo State. The outdoor season for the Bengals will begin on March 23 at the Muskingum Invitational in New Concord, Ohio.