The Gustavus men’s cross country team posted its third consecutive eighth-place finish at the MIAC Championships on Saturday afternoon in St. Paul, Minn. Hamline proved its standing as the conference powerhouse by winning its third-straight championship, including three of the top four finishers. St. Olaf came in second, while Saint John’s took third.
Ben Sathre of St. Thomas was crowned the MIAC’s top runner with a time of 24:54, well ahead of the field. Hamline’s Devin Monson and Jack Deichert finished one after the other for second and third, respectively. Monson completed the 8K race in 25:26 and Deichert one second later at 25:27.
“We showed up and were excited to go, but just didn’t have it today,” Gustavus Head Coach Dale Bahr mentioned. “There were a couple runners, however, that stepped up. Dillon Emo, typically our third runner, was our top runner today. Alex Thornton and Preston Tomlinson each had a good race, and so did Leighton Becher and Tanner Davenport. Those guys all ran well.”
Dillon Emo, a first-year from Brookings, S.D., crossed the finish line first for the Gusties in 26th place with a time of 26:29. On the other end of the career spectrum, three seniors followed Emo as the Gusties’ next finishers at St. Paul’s Como Park Golf Course. Mark Bartley placed 37th in 26:48, Anders Bowman 41st in 27:07 and Alex Thornton 53rd in 27:31.
“We had great leadership from our captains – Alex Thornton, Anders Bowman, Mark Bartley – all great leaders that really helped turn the corner with this team and getting everyone to act as a team,” Bahr acknowledged.
Junior Preston Tomlinson crossed the line with Thornton in 54th place with a time of 27:31. First-year Leighton Becher placed 60th in 27:39 and sophomore Tanner Davenport 67th in 28:00.
“I’m happy with the team and what they’ve put forward for how hard they’ve worked,” Bahr said. “Really a great group of guys to work with.”
The NCAA Division III Central Region Meet will be held in Waverly, Iowa on Saturday, Nov. 12.