Oxford, AL. – The MMI men's cross country team brought home an ACCC/NJCAA Region 22 Runner-up finish Friday morning at Choccolocco Park (Oxford, AL.) and will advance to the NJCAA National XC Meet in Richmond, Virgina later this month.

Four time ACCC Runner of the Week, James Stover, finished the men's 8k race in first place in a time of 27:15.  He was named ACCC Runner of the Year for being the 2021 ACCC Conference Champion.  He was followed by Daniel Gaffney.  Gaffney's race time of 28:30 earned him 6^th place and a spot on the ACCC All-Region Team.  Tyler Malone was the third Tiger runner to cross the finish line with a time of 29:40.  He was followed by Jackson Gary (29:47), Brennan Whalen (30:14), Logan Dunaway (32:50), Ethan Blanton (33:46), Solomon Smith (36:35), and George Austin (37:00).

"The guys ran their races just like we talked about," said head coach Chad Belantine.  "Jimmy got out front with Wallace State's lead runner and ran with him until late in the race when he knew he could safely break away.  He has really been rolling along the last month and looks to continue that as we prepare for nationals.  Jackson and Brennan both have continued to get healthy and it showed in personal bests today. These guys have continued to gel together more and more throughout the season and there is no doubt they have more left in the tank."

Besides the NJCAA National Cross Country Meet on November 13, the men's team will make their first appearance in the Half Marathon Championships in Richomnd, Virginia two days later.