Eastern Oregon Men’s Cross Country Named Team of the Week
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from Eastern Oregon University) The Eastern Oregon University Men’s Cross Country Team was named Co-Under Armour Team of the Week for Sept. 25 – Oct. 1, as announced by the Cascade Collegiate Conference on Sunday. This prestigious honor came following their stellar performance and first-place victory at the Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational.
Starting the season ranked 2nd in the CCC Preseason Poll, the team has notably risen to being ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Coaches Rating. Their recent competition on Saturday saw them outpacing a field of 24 other NAIA and NCAA institutions and a total of 244 runners to clinch their first victory at the Willamette Invitational, an event they have been participating in for 48 years.
Justin Ash led the team, finishing 9th overall with a impressive time of 24:38 in the 8k. Close behind were Hunter Nichols and Cristian Mendoza, finishing 15th and 17th respectively, clocking in times of 24:57 and 24:59. Thomas Ogden and Winston Telford also put up respective times, placing 26th and 32nd. Their collective effort significantly contributed to the team’s overall victory.
“It was a long time coming, but so gratifying for the guys to win this meet, especially with such a strong finish on the track over the last 200 meters where they passed a number of individuals to secure the narrowest two point win,” said head coach Ben Welch. “The Conference Team of the week recognition is a very nice additional award for all their hard work.”
The team will continue competition on October 14th in Estacada, Oregon, at Lewis and Clark College.
