BETHANY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's cross country team placed ninth Saturday morning at the Mountain East Conference Championships, held at the Bethany Cross Country Course.

The Hilltoppers competed in the 8-kilometer championship race, finishing ninth in the 11-team field. Charleston claimed the team championship with 21 points, placing five runners among the top nine finishers. Point Park finished second with 71 points, followed by Davis & Elkins with 99.

Sophomore Lance Busse led West Liberty, finishing 32nd overall with a time of 26:40.1. Sophomore Michael Niggemyer followed in 51st place at 27:33.3, just ahead of teammate Shepherd Richey, who placed 52nd in 27:35.5.

Finlay Lorimer finished 53rd with a time of 27:38.3, while junior Zachary Workman rounded out West Liberty's top five in 59th place at 28:01.3.

Christian Rutherford crossed the finish line 75th in 29:06.8, followed by freshman James Erlandson in 83rd at 29:45.6. Hadden Garvin placed 86th in 30:09.0, while Seth Krocker finished 95th in 33:27.9.

Charleston swept the top three individual positions, led by freshman Matthew Meli, who won the individual championship in 24:21.2. Teammate Kelvin Kipchumba finished second in 24:52.1, while senior Mohamed Ensaad placed third in 25:06.9.


West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.