DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College men's cross country team turned in a strong performance at the American Rivers Conference Championships, highlighted by Isaac Bourne's school record and multiple personal bests.
Bourne set the new school mark with a sixth-place finish in 24:07.2, earning all-conference honors and improving his personal best by five seconds. Eric Rutherford also earned all-conference recognition, posting a 16-second personal best of 24:25.8 to move into third on Loras' all-time list. Beehler recorded a 37-second personal best and all-conference nod with a 19th-place finish in 24:46.8. Other strong showings included McGrath (22nd, 24:56.8, 22 second PR), Colby Cryer (41st, 25:33.3, 42 second PR), Logan Hoger (45th, 25:38.6, 46 second PR) and Aiden Ruiz (49th, 25:45.4, 42 second PR).
The team also improved individually by place compared to last year's championship, with Bourne +4 spots, Rutherford +12, Beehler +9, Cryer +31, Hoger +55 and Ruiz +66.
"It was the best weather we've had all season, and the team had a great course and conditions to chase personal bests," said head coach Ethan Adlfinger. He added that the men entered the meet ranked second and were able to hold that position, fending off strong competition while positioning themselves for a solid NCAA qualifying opportunity at the regional meet.
"Today was excellent, but there are still areas we can improve to have our best team performance in the coming weeks," Adlfinger said. He also noted that those who ran their final race of the season achieved their goals, while those advancing to the NCAA postseason remain on track to do the same.
Up next: The Duhawks will travel to Waverly, Iowa, for the Division III Midwest Regional on Saturday, Nov. 15, with the race set to begin at 11 a.m.
Men's Team Scores
- Wartburg – 15 points
- Loras – 76 points
- Central – 93 points
- Simpson – 112 points
- Nebraska Wesleyan - 147
- University of Dubuque - 152
- Luther - 158
- Buena Vista - 231
- Coe - 284
