WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The West Liberty University men's cross country team finished seventh Friday at the Rams Atlantic Region Preview, posting 178 points in the 8K race.

Michael Niggemyer paced the Hilltoppers, placing 30th overall with a season-best time of 27 minutes, 21.7 seconds. Lance Busse followed in 34th at 27:29.9, recording a personal best.

Finlay Lorimer was next across the line for West Liberty, placing 38th in 28:18.8 and posting a season-best time. Shepherd Richey finished 44th at 28:36.7, also recording a season best, while James Erlandson rounded out the Hilltoppers' five scorers in 49th place with a personal-best time of 29:06.0.

West Liberty's top five runners combined for an average time of 28:22.6.

The Hilltoppers also received scoring depth from their remaining competitors, with Hadden Garvin finishing 59th in 29:50.3 and Christian Rutherford placing 67th in 30:48.7. Seth Krocker crossed the finish line 70th in 31:17.3, adding another season-best performance.

Point Park won the team competition with 48 points, followed by Fayetteville State (53), Concord (54), East Stroudsburg (83), West Virginia Wesleyan (141) and Glenville State (157). West Liberty finished seventh with 178 points.

West Liberty will return to action Oct. 10 at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational in Pittsburgh, Pa. The meet is scheduled for a 10 a.m. start.



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.