UPLAND, Ind.--Cumberland men's cross country held their own in a stacked field at the Ray Bullock Invitational hosted by the defending national champions Taylor University at the Taylor Farms XC Course. 

The Phoenix took seventh place in a field that featured five nationally ranked NAIA cross country teams.

Ethan Rhoden was the lead harrier for the Phoenix posting a 30th place finish. Rhoden posted a 27:44.0 in the race.

Sophomore Denis Kipligat finished just behind Rhoden in 34th with a time of 27:51.4. Aidan Crocket crossed the finish line one minute behind Kipligat for 52nd place.

Joel Barlow came in at 59th with a 29:01.9 time and Luke Freeman finished eight spots behind him in 67th with a time of 29:12.5. Andrew Cullins was the last Cumberland racer to finish with a time of 31:21.2.

Defending national champions Taylor University won the event while nationally-ranked St. Francis and Cornerstone finished in second and third.

Derek Van Pooryen from Taylor University won the event with a time of 25:31.3, one-tenth of a second faster than his teammate Daniel Gerber who finished in second place.

The Phoenix will compete next at the 'Live in Lou' Louisville Cross Country Classic on Saturday, October 2.

Individual Results 8k