GRANTHAM, Pa.– Over a tough and muddy course a the Messiah Invitational, Eastern University Men's Cross Country had three had three first-years in the team's top seven on the way to a sixth-place finish in a meet that was a preview for the MAC Championships in course and competition.

With some huge elevation gains in the second mile, the muddy course tested Eastern's young team. Ryle Mellinger stepped to the front to lead the Eagles with an 18th place finish. Anthony Zamichieli, Tyler Long, and Matthew Schilling all jumped into the group of runners behind Mellinger and Robert Walton. 

"Our guys have been on a really good flow with training and it showed today," Head Coach Kiehl Smith said after the race. " I was pleased with the way they didn't let the conditions or course makeup fragment our very tight three-to-seven. Those four all finished within 39 seconds of each other. This pack running and strong team orientation is going to be very beneficial to our guys as they head into some big Invites and championship meets. I am very excited to watch these guys continue to ride this positive wave and grow this season."

The Eagles will compete at the prestigious Paul Short Invitational next weekend.