LOUISVILLE, KY – The top ranked University of the Cumberlands men's cross country team continued its strong start to the season Saturday, placing fourth in the Men's 8K Gold race at The Great Louisville Classic with 160 points.
 
James Ndayishimiye once again led the way for Cumberlands, finishing 16th overall in 24:17.3. Collin De Julio followed immediately behind, crossing in 24:17.8 to take 17th and give the Patriots two runners inside the top 20.
 
Killian Le Bourhis provided another strong performance, finishing 34th in 24:49.0. Ryan Ehrler then crossed in 46th at 24:59.6, while Noah Loser completed the scoring five with a 25:00.1 to place 47th.
 
The Patriots' scoring five finished within just 42.8 seconds of one another, producing a team average of 24:40.76. UC also placed three runners among the next group, with Sean Crady clocking 25:07.8 for 55th, Giulio Romano finishing 58^th in 25:08.5, and Kyle Crady adding a 25:16.3 for 66th.
 
Merwan Meleard (25:32.9), Casey DeSilvey (25:37.6), Caleb Burton (25:41.8), Jack Wilson (26:15.3), Caden Cull (26:15.6), Marcus Salinas (26:17.9), and Dathan Custar (26:47.2) rounded out the Cumberlands contingent on Saturday in Louisville.
 
UC finished behind West Texas A&M, Lee, and North Central (Ill.) in another deep field, while taking down NCAA D1 Western Kentucky University who placed fifth overall.
 
The Patriots remain undefeated against NAIA squads on the season and will now turn their attention to the NAIA Appalachian Challenge on Friday, Oct. 23, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
 
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