CHARLESTON, Ill.— Austin Peay State University men's cross country team battled the crisp morning air, finishing 7th in the Ohio Valley Conference Championships Saturday, hosted by Eastern Illinois at Panther Trail course.
The Governors' first five runners all finished within a minute of each other, propelling Austin Peay to a seventh place finish. Mathew Biwott continued his excellent senior campaign, leading the Governors with a time of 25:32.8, while junior Wesley Gray and sophomore Tyler Smith crossed the line in 25:36.7 and 25:38.6 respectively.
Sophomore standout Nash Young finished the eight-kilometer course in 25:48.6, followed closely by junior Hezron Kiptoo (25:53.3). Freshmen duo Thomas Porter (27:12.7) and Elliot Giles (27:52.0) rounded out the Governors' attack.
"The men ran really well today," said head coach Doug Molnar. "They had the best team average since 1986, when the team won the OVC Championships. Overall a good day, we also bring back four of five top finishers in the pack for next year, running as a pack made a huge difference."
The Govs finished seventh in the team scoring at the OVC Championships, their highest finish since Austin Peay placed fifth in 2010. The Governors will conclude their season at the NCAA South Regionals 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 10th in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
