CHARLOTTE, N.C. - CIU men's cross country continued their season in the Royals Challenge on Friday, hosted by Queens University. The race occurred at McAlpine Creek Park, which features a flat, firm, fast course with a wide crushed gravel path. The men's team finished thirteenth overall, posting the ninth-best team time in school history. The Rams competed against schools from NCAA DII, NAIA, and NJCAA. 

Joey Canning was the first to cross the finish line with a personal record of 28:53.70, with Joel Baumgarten following in at 30:01.31. Nathaniel Long and Gavin Barfield finished neck and neck with times of 30:13.55 and 30:13.58. 

Spencer Evans was next to come across the line, clocking in at 31:25.58. Landon Battermann settled in at 31:37.64, and Spencer Dyke closed out the race for CIU at 34:43.32. 

Head Coach Michael Knight says, "Joey started putting some things together today, hitting another PR. The guys still have areas to grow, but the pieces are all there!" 

Up Next: CIU will compete in the NAIA Challenge, hosted by Tennessee Wesleyan University on Friday, Oct. 20.