SALEM, Va. - Eastern Men's Cross Country was back in action this afternoon at the South Region Showdown hosted by Roanoke College. In a strong field of DI, DII, and DIII teams, the Eagles finished ninth with a score of 282.

Robert Walton had his best race of the season, leading the Eagles with a time of 26:55.9. Ryle Mellinger was second across the finish line for the Eagles at 27:06.7. Additionally, five other Eagles, Jason Karch (27:56.2), Joshua Knox-Wagner (27:57.0), Matthew Schilling (28:31.0), Ryan Edde (29:15.6), and Malachi Wilson (32:29.6) all recorded PRs.

Head Coach Kiehl Smith was pleased with how his team performed in a new environment.

"It was a strong team run from the men," Smith stated. "Rob stepped up and had more of a breakout race for the season." This trip is all about getting out of our usual stomping ground, bonding as a team, and racing at a new course. Our guys ran tough and together a tactical race that moved up at most splits.

"Our core 3-7 ran very tight and strong," Smith concluded. "It is time to rest up and gear up for MACs."

Eastern will have one final tune up before the MAC Championships. The Eagles will compete at the LVC Last Chance Run Fast race on Friday in Lebanon.