The Hillsdale College men's cross country team flashed its depth to bring home the Warrior Challenge title on Friday night at Willow Metropark in New Boston, Michigan.

Hillsdale had the top third, fourth, and fifth finisher among all 14 teams in the competition to beat host Wayne State and G-MAC foe Northwood to the top team finish with 62 total points, 27 less than the runner-up.

Senior Richie Johnston led the way with one of the best 8K races of his career, finishing fourth in 25:28.80, just a few seconds off his personal best, to lead the Chargers, while junior Gabriel Phillips also ran a solid 25:58.00 time to place 11th.

Pack running behind Johnston and Phillips led the Chargers to victory. Junior Nathaniel Osborne was right behind Phillips in 13th with a personal best time of 25:59.40, sophomore Caleb Youngstedt took 17th in 26:07.60 and senior Ross Kuhn placed 21st in 26:14.90 to give Hillsdale the best scoring five of any team in the meet.

Senior Donny McArdle placed 37th in 26:52.10, junior Mark Masaka finished 63rd in 27:35.60 and freshman Thomas Holm placed 63rd in 27:39.40 as well for Hillsdale.

The win gives the Chargers confidence heading into a two-week training period. Hillsdale will next take the course on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Lucian Rosa Invite in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Photo by Elaine Kutas