Men’s Cross Country Starts Season Strong at IWU Twilight Meet

MARION, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's cross-country team opened its season at the IWU Twilight Meet, hosted by Indiana Wesleyan University on Friday, September 5. 

Overall, the men placed 11th out of 20 teams, earning a total of 275 points. IWU, the hosts, placed first overall in the meet. 

MVNU Results 

5^th – Will Baker – 24:50.10

57^th – Mason Hendrickson – 26:01.10

74^th – Ryan Lehman – 26:14.20 

77^th – David Burkholder – 26:16.20

113^th – Evan Hodkinson – 26:51.60

141^st – Owen Rair – 27:15.50

150^th – Indy Mayer – 27:22.70

158^th – Daron Porter – 27:27.10

216^th – Simon Rohwer – 28:22.30

222^nd – Mason Summers – 28:31.20

242^nd – Alex Hayden – 29:07.90

265^th – Ryan Swalley – 29:59.60

269^th – Aaron Gannon – 30:06.40

279^th – Levi Moles - 30:48.70

283^rd – Ethan Jackson – 30:55.70

Coach Taylor's Thoughts 

"Our men's team had a breakout race tonight. We ran against a loaded field of the top nine teams all in the NAIA national poll. The men broke our team school record by two minutes. Will Baker lead us well by having his individual time break the school record that was held for the last 10 years. Sophomore David Burkholder also had a breakout race which was a huge part in our big drop in team time. A lot of guys on our team hit big personal bests which sets us up really well for the rest of the season. All glory to God!"

What's Next 

The Cougars will be competing in the All-Ohio Meet, hosted by Cedarville University on Friday, September 19. The race will begin at 6:00 p.m. 

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,100 students from 33 states and 26 foreign countries.