KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — CIU men's cross country competed in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Championships on Friday, placing six runners in the 8K field and continuing to build momentum ahead of the NCCAA National Championships next week.

Josh Zhang led the Rams with a time of 27:04.69, marking another consistent performance at the front of CIU's lineup. Close behind was Jacobo Garcia-Rivera, who crossed in 27:17.70 to finish as CIU's second scorer.

Joey Canning followed at 29:20.68, while Spencer Evans clocked a 30:06.44 as CIU's fourth finisher. Mark Zagata recorded a 31:25.43, and Hunter McCaskill rounded out the scoring group with a time of 35:42.69.

The meet serves as the final tune-up for CIU's men, who will travel to Joplin, Mo., to compete in the NCCAA National Championships on Friday, Nov. 14.