Montevallo, AL. - The Marion Military Institute men's cross country teams competed in the Falcon Classic, hosted by the University of Montevallo on Saturday morning.

The men competed in the 8K against the following teams: Samford University, University of West Alabama, University of Alabama-Huntsville, Mississippi College, University of West Georgia, University of Montevallo, Florida A&M, Alabama State University, Spring Hill, Wallace State CC, University of Alabama, Point University, Meridian CC, Morehouse, Auburn University-Montgomery, Birmingham Southern, Martin Methodist, Jefferson State CC, Belhaven University, Huntingdon College, and Miles.

Freshman Aaron Brown was the top finisher for MMI after competing in first collegiate 8k race. Brown crossed the finish line at the 27:57.68 mark.  Freshman Michael Welborn was the next finisher for the Black and Orange at the 28:47.14 mark. Brown and Welborn were followed by Adrian Lopez (29:36.55), Ethan Nelson (30:08.96), Daniel Garza (30:22.16), Thomas Little (32:24.53), and Raul Martinez (33:22.03).   

Head coach Chad Balentine looks for the team to make improvements as the season progresses. "I was very pleased with our performance in our first cross country meet of the season. This was the first 8k ever for six of the eight guys who competed and everyone ran solid races for this early in the year. The two returning sophomores both ran personal best times and the men were led by freshman Aaron Brown who broke under 28 minutes in his first 8k.  I look for all of the men to improve as they adapt to the training schedule and cooler weather."

The Tigers finished the race in 12^th place of 17 teams.  Marion will return to the course this Friday, September 13, in the Brickyard Invitational hosted by Georgia Military College.