GALLOWAY, N.J.– Eastern University Men's Cross Country opened the 2024 season with an 8k race on a steamy hot morning at Stockton University. The Eastern Men finished 11th overall and seventh among Division III opponents.

While most of the opposing squads had already raced, the Eagles took the day to work on race strategy and tactics. Even with the tough conditions, the Eagles put together a good pack and posted some solid times. Led by Robert Walton and Ryle Mellinger, the Eagles put six runners inside 30 minute mark. As they have for much of their fall training, Walton and Mellinger spent much of the race togeher and finished less than half a second apart right at the 27 and a half minute mark.

The next Eastern runners all came in within a minute of the half hour mark. Levi Weir and Bradley Atkinson each posted Pr's in the race.

"We saw lots of good pack running and teamwork," Head Coach Kiehl Smith said after the race. " That's a good indication of where we can go. It was great to see our depth in the race."

The Eagles will race at Messiah University in two weeks.