WILLAMETTE GRASS COURSE: Eberhart Paces Bruins to 3rd in Willamette 7.1K Race

Results 

SALEM, Ore. - Led by a ninth-place finish by senior Cam Eberhart, the George Fox University Bruins came in third out of four teams in the Willamette University Grass Course 7.1K men's cross country race early Friday evening here at Bush's Pasture Park.

Host Willamette took home the team prize with a score of 20 points, placing runners in positions two through five.  Western Oregon University placed second with 44 points, George Fox University was third with 91,  and California Lutheran University was fourth with  96.  Central Oregon Community College also had runners entered but not enough to complete a team score.

Eberhart posted a time of 23:31.15 to earn ninth both in his overall performance and for team scoring.  Noted coach Jeff Larson, "Cam has worked hard and just keeps getting better each time out.  He wanted to start this race keeping pace with the leaders and did quite well, though he faded a bit at the end.  As he continues to gain confidence in himself, he should develop the ability to stay with the leaders most of the time and challenge for All-Conference, possibly All-Region honors.  He might even be able to earn a spot at the nationals."

Bradley Higgins was next for the Bruins with a mark of 25:21.72, well back of Eberhart in 33rd overall and 19th for team scoring.  They were followed by Allen Cassel with a 25:39.89 (35th / 20th), Chad Sutfin with a 25:55.79 (37th / 21st), and Austin Morrell with a 26:01.71 (38th / 22nd).  Also competing for the Bruins were Ryan Erickson with a 27:01.53 (44th) and Mike Calavan with a 27:40.64 (48th).

Chris Reed from Western Oregon earned first place in the individual standings with a time of 22:36.32, just over ten seconds ahead of Willamette's Matt Parker (22:46.76). Leo Castillo of Willamette was third in 22:53.42.

The Bruins return to Salem in two weeks, participating in the Charles Bowles Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 3.  The men's college 8K race begins at 9:30 a.m.