GRANTHAM, Pa. - Eastern Men's Cross Country placed eighth out of 16 teams on Saturday in the 2024 MAC Championships hosted by Messiah University. The Eagles finished with a team score of 234, their best since 2019. Additionally, Eastern finished two places higher than they did last season.

Ryle Mellinger earned his first Second-Team All-MAC honor with a 15th place finish on Saturday. The junior from Glen Mills crossed the finish line in 27:15.3. It was the highest finish for an Eastern men's cross country runner since 2019. Sophomore Robert Walton was second on the Eagles with a time of 27:56.5,

"Our guys stuck to the race plan and executed it well," Eastern Head Coach Kiehl Smith said. "Getting out strong but not so hard that we waste energy before the climb on mile two. We also worked in our packs very well. Our guys fought hard on the hills and continued to press the gas into miles three and four. We did a great job using our depth today and worked through the field as one.

"These guys brought incredible energy and noise today, running for each other," Smith continued. "The bonds they are creating are easily seen in their racing style. I am excited to see what they can do at regionals together and how they develop into next year."

Eastern Men's Cross Country will next compete in the NCAA DIII Metro Region Championships in Galloway, N.J. on Nov. 16.