YPSILANTI, Mich. – Coach Elmore Banton knew the Central Collegiate Championship would be a tough test for the young Ohio men’s cross country team, but the team rose to the challenge Friday, placing sixth out of 11 teams with 160 points. Michigan ran away with the meet with 22 points, while Mid-American Conference foe Western Michigan finished second with 73.

For the second straight meet sophomore Jason Linton was the top finisher for the Bobcats, taking 13th with a time of 26:03. Fellow sophomore Drew Frum also ran well, finishing 19th at 26:15. Freshman Austin Schiele continued his excellent season as well, placing 32nd (26:50). Also scoring for the Bobcats in the race were freshman Jimmy Hughes (48th, 27:33) and senior Justin Kempe (52nd, 27:51). Sophomore Bob Wayner (62nd, 28:25) and freshman Joey McKinney (72nd, 29:07) rounded out the top seven for Ohio.

The Bobcats have the week off next week as they prepare for the All-Ohio Championship at Ohio Wesleyan on October 11.