ATHENS, TENN. - CIU men's cross country laced up to compete in the NAIA Appalachian Challenge for their last regular season race on Friday morning, hosted by Tennessee Wesleyan University. The squad competed against 19 impressive teams, finishing at 2:26:04 to qualify for NCCAA for the first time since 2017. 

Joey Canning continues to impress in his freshman campaign and led the Rams in the 8k with a time of 28:44.5. Gavin Barfield and Nathaniel Long finished on each other's heels shortly after, clocking in at 28:50.6 and 28:51.0. 

Joel Baumgarten was the next Ram to cross the finish line at 29:04.1, with Spencer Evans following in at 30:37.2. Landon Batterman and Spencer Dyke closed out the competition for CIU, recording times of 31:53.2 and 33:40.6. 

Head Coach Michael Knight says, "The men did outstanding today! Not only did they put together all the pieces we have been working on, but they are the first team to qualify for NCCAAs since 2017. Gavin, Joey, Joel, Nathaniel, and Spencer Evans put together a fantastic race. We could not be more proud!" 

Up Next: CIU returns to Tennessee in two weeks, on Friday, Nov. 3, to compete in the AAC Championship, also hosted by Tennessee Wesleyan.