In the men’s race, Mount Union College won the 16-team event with 59 points to just edge out DePauw (Ind.) University (63 points), Heidelberg University (79 points), and host Otterbein (98 points). The Cougars finished ninth with 268 points.

Brock Weaver from Ashland University won the individual title as he covered the eight-kilometer course in 25:57.8 to finish nearly 11 seconds ahead of runner-up Devin Butcher of Heidelberg. Senior Mark Porostosky finished ninth out of 178 runners in 26:23.3 to lead MVNU. Sophomore Nate Winters also had a good showing as he was 38th in 27:18.5. Senior Kenny Alexander (29:28.2, 100th), freshman Anthony Lee (30:11.5, 117th), senior Joe Pittenger (30:26.5, 128th), sophomore Jameson Seymour (31:38.8, 148th), senior Dustin Wine (31:44.4, 149th), junior David Clark (32:22.5, 157th), freshman Jacob Pessia (33:04.3, 163rd), and freshman Mark Rednour (33:07.6, 164th) rounded out the finishers for the Cougars with Alexander, Pittenger, Pessia, and Rednour each posting new personal bests.

"It was a wet day, but we had a great team effort,” said MVNU coach Chip Wilson. "We had several runners step up to the challenge of solid competition and wet conditions. Even though the course was running a little slow because of the weather, we did have four runners on our men’s team that ran a personal best. Kenny and Joe are starting to find out what they can do as runners and today they took the next step in meeting their season goals. I was also very impressed with Mark and Nate today. Both of these guys went out with the lead pack and ran a very aggressive race. Even though they did not have their best times, this was one of the strongest races I have seen either of them run.”

In the women’s race, DePauw won the 14-team event with 29 points to finish ahead of Otterbein (69 points) and the College of Wooster (104 points). The Lady Cougars finished in ninth place with 247 points.

Lauren Reich of DePauw won the individual title as she covered the course in 22:37.9 to edge out her three teammates who occupied the next three spots with Ellen Mail being the runner-up a little over 14 seconds later. Freshman Jessica Brant was the top finisher for MVNU as she covered the six-kilometer course in 24:55.4 to come in 25th out of 150 runners. Senior Tara Patrick (25:34.1, 43rd), sophomore Caitlin Campbell (26:00.0, 58th) (right), freshman Hannah Fertig (26:15.7, 67th), freshman Melissa Keiser (27:54.7, 101st), sophomore Nikki Yates (28:26.2, 112th), freshman Bethany Parks (29:19.5, 124th), sophomore DeAnna Hardeman (33:22.5, 148th), and senior Brittany Click (34:32.0, 149th) rounded out the lineup for the Lady Cougars.

"The women were challenged today with a course that is a little longer than we are used to,” said Wilson. "However, they all stayed positive and ran well. I reminded the girls all week that this is just another piece of training that we need to reach our goals for this season. Even though this course was longer, it will benefit us down the road. I was very pleased with the effort that all of our girls showed, and I know it will pay off for us later in the season.”

Both MVNU teams will return to action on Friday, October 2, when they will compete in the All-Ohio Invitational hosted by Ohio Wesleyan University. Every college and university in the state is invited to the meet regardless of size.

"I am excited for this week leading up to the All-Ohio race,” said Wilson. "It will be one of our most challenging courses, but it is also one of the most rewarding races. This should be a fun week.”