Milligan Posts Another Podium Finish at NAIA Championship Meet; Montreat Places 21st

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Milligan nearly defended its men's cross country national championship but came up just short as it finished second at the 2024 NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championship on Friday.

The 8K race was held at Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Mo.

Milligan spent the entire race battling for position with College of Idaho. The Buffaloes were the first team with five runners across the finish line; however, the Yotes' top four runners finished ahead of the Buffaloes' third runner to give them a cushion to work with. Bryson Lewis finished in 39th overall, granting Milligan 33 points. Yet, Oclan Ryan of College of Idaho placed 47th to give his time 39 points.

In the end, College of Idaho won with 87 points with Milligan a close second with 96 points.

Montreat also represented the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) in the team competition, placing 21st.

Milligan had five runners earn NAIA All-American honors. The honorees are Bryn Woodall (fifth), Winston Telford (12th), Blake Hipkiss (27th), Zimri Kuhn (29th), and Lewis).

Ethan Stamey of Montreat and Paul Moore of SCAD Atlanta (Ga.) also earned NAIA All-American as they placed 14th and 23rd, respectively.

For full results, click here.