LAMONI, Iowa — In a field featuring two full teams as well as runners from Bellevue University, the Central Methodist men's cross country team took home first in both the team and individual portion of the Graceland Invitational on Saturday morning.

Graceland's course is a true and honest cross country course featuring rolling hills and long stretches. The men hit a half-mile incline early in the race, and then again closer to halfway.

The Eagles topped the Yellow Jackets by eight points in the team portion of the race. Three Eagles finished in the top five: Radovan Kemboi (1st, 26:24.00), Elliot Knernschield (2nd, 26:45.90), and Trevor Roebke (5th, 28:19.10).

"I was really encouraged by our 3-6 runners today. We showed a lot of improvement and grit to run on uneven footing in a rain storm and come out and run some really good times, and it was pretty fun for me to watch," said coach Mark Nelson. "I was excited to see Elliot avenge a loss from last year's conference championship, and his prospects for the rest of the season look pretty strong. As far as Rad goes, he ran a good, controlled race where he took over when he wanted to and gapped the field pretty well."

OTHER NOTABLES:

• 11^th place Tyler Reinkemeyer - 29:26.60
• 12^th place Joseph Bruemmer - 29:37.40
• 13^th place Graham Lemmons - 30:07.10
• 17^th place Ryan Bennett - 33:31.80
• 20^th place Ryan Spoede- 35:46.00

UP NEXT:

The Eagles have a brief break before racing again at home in the Gary Stoner Invite on Saturday, Oct. 12 beginning at 10 am.