ATHENS, Tenn. - CIU men's cross country laced up and hit the course on a cold Friday morning to race in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship meet. The Rams finished with a team time of 2:26:56, coming in at 10th place. 

Gavin Barfield hauled in a time of 28:29.76 to be the first Rams across the finish line. Joey Canning and Joel Baumgarten finished neck and neck, recording times of 29:05.90 and 29:07.69. 

Nathaniel Long was the next racer to finish, clocking in at 29:42.20. Spencer Evans finished shortly after at 30:30.55, with Landon Battermann following in at 30:49.22. Spencer Dyke rounded out the Rams competition with a time of 32:36.73. 

Head Coach Michael Knight says, "The guys persevered through a difficult race despite sickness and ongoing nagging pains. Spencer Evans, Landon Battermann, and Spencer Dyke had an incredible race, hitting personal bests. We're looking forward to everything coming together at NCCAA Nationals." 

Up Next: CIU is back in action next week on Friday, Nov. 10, at the NCCAA National Championship in Warsaw, IN.