“Despite the rain and mud, we had a great showing at the AMC race,” said MVNU coach Chip Wilson. “We knew coming into the race that we would have to run against some of the best teams and individuals in the nation. I told both teams throughout the week that if they could tell me they did their best after the race I would be satisfied. After watching how hard each individual worked, I know they all ran the best they could.”

In the men’s race, Malone University, the No. 1 team in the NAIA all season, captured its 16th straight conference title by finishing with 20 points as the Pioneers had the top four runners individually. No. 13 Cedarville University was second with 63 points, and No. 17 Shawnee State University was third with 79 points as each of the top three teams earned a berth in the NAIA National Meet. Houghton (N.Y.) College (85 points), Walsh University (168 points), and Notre Dame College (179 points) each finished ahead of the Cougars, but the 205 points registered by MVNU was its best total in the AMC race in its three years since the program returned after a 27-year absence.

Nik Schweikert of Malone earned the individual title in a time of 25:58.9 to edge teammate Aaron Melhorn (26:14.1) by a little over 15 seconds in the eight-kilometer race that featured slow times due to a very muddy course. Porostosky, who finished 17th in this race last year to earn AMC Honorable Mention status, came in 14th out of 128 runners this time around in 27:45.4 to earn a spot on the AMC Second Team and also an entry into the NAIA National Meet on November 22 in Kenosha, Wis. Freshman Nate Winters (29:08.7, 41st), sophomore Zach Stiverson (30:09.3, 63rd), freshman Blake Heinlen (30:16.8, 64th), sophomore David Clark (31:28.1, 88th), and freshman Jameson Seymour (32:58.2, 100th) rounded out the scoring for MVNU.

“Even though we lost some of our varsity runners from last season, the men’s team has performed very well this year,” said Wilson. “The guys knew they had to get out hard and settle into a pace early and I was pleased to see that happen. It was exciting to see them compete at such a high level. Even though times were no indication (because of weather), they all ran one of the best races I have seen them run as a team.”

“We knew coming in that Mark had a good shot to get out to Nationals,” Wilson added. “He got out early and found a spot where he felt comfortable and held on. This is the ultimate accomplishment for any collegiate runner and he will represent our team and university well.”

In the women’s race, NAIA No. 1 Cedarville University won the 14-team event for the fourth straight year with 31 points to edge out NAIA No. 5 Malone (49 points) and NAIA No. 15 Shawnee State (86 points) with all three teams earning a berth in the NAIA National Meet. Houghton (115 points) and Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.) College (125 points) rounded out the top five, while the Lady Cougars finished with 362 points in 13th place.

Nicole Santos of Cedarville won the individual title for the second straight year as she covered the five-kilometer course in 18:58.2 to finish just over five seconds ahead of runner-up Lisa Davies (19:04.0) of Shawnee State. Freshman Caitlin Campbell (right) was the top finisher for MVNU as she came in 73rd in a time of 23:22.2. Freshman Katelyn Felger (23:26.8, 76th), freshman Heidi Raidel (24:01.0, 84th), freshman Lauren Ford (25:51.5, 110th), freshman Nikki Yates (26:18.7, 121st), freshman DeAnna Hardeman (26:58.4, 129th), and junior Brittany Click (33:03.4, 139th) rounded out the lineup for MVNU.

“The women’s team has faced many challenges this season due to injuries, but it has been encouraging to see how hard they are working,” said Wilson. “It has been difficult as a coach to watch some very talented girls struggle through the pain of injuries and to have to watch their teammates run from the sidelines. However, all of these girls have stayed positive and I am thankful that they have come together as a team.”

Before Porostosky heads off to the NAIA National Meet on November 22, the MVNU teams will compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association National Meet at Cedarville University this Saturday. The women’s race is slated to get under way at 10:00 a.m. with the men’s race to follow at 11:00 a.m.