MXC: CHARLES BOWLES INVITATIONAL - Eberhart Moves into Top 15 at Willamette 8K

Cardinal 8K Results

SALEM, Ore. - Once again leading a constantly-improving George Fox University men's team, Cam Eberhart moved into the Bruins' all-time top 15 list with a time of 25:30.47 in the Cardinal 8K race at the 35th Annual Charles Bowles Cross Country Invitational hosted by Willamette University Saturday morning here at Bush's Pasture Park.

Eberhart placed 44th overall out of 198 runners and 41st for team scoring with his time, making him one of four Bruins to set new personal marks during the day.  Chad Sutfin ran a 26:50.59 (130th/103rd), Allen Cassel a 27:16.22 (147th/110th), Ryan Erickson a 27:53.93 (160th/115th), and Mike Calavan a 28:03.54 (164th/118th).  All but Erickson had new personal bests.

As a team, the Bruins finished 18th out of 19 teams with 487 points against competition that included five NCAA Division I teams and three NCAA Division III programs.  Chico State University edged Boise State University 45-52 to win the event, one of four college races held during the Charles Bowles event that each year features over 1,200 runners.

"I am very pleased with the progress our athletes are making," said Bruin assistant coach Jeff Larson.  "Today we closed the gap between our first and fifth runners from two minutes down to a minute-and-a-half, and Cam didn't get any slower - the others are beginning to make up the difference.  This is only my second year here, but today was by far the best day we've had in at least two years."

The Bruins will take next weekend off, then compete in the Concordia University/PUMA Classic at Fernhill Park in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Oct. 17.  The men's four-mile race is set for 2:30 p.m.