WALESKA, Ga.— According to a release from the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) office late Tuesday morning, the Montreat College men's cross country team is your 2024-25 AAC Men's Team of Character. This marks the third straight year in which the Cavaliers have claimed the annual league honor.
 
"I'm incredibly proud of our guys for being named the AAC Men's Team of Character," said head coach Rylan Hincher. "This recognition goes far beyond the results on the course—it speaks to who they are day in and day out. They've faced adversity head-on, including the challenges and disruption brought on by the hurricane, yet they've continued to show up for each other with resilience and humility."
 
Despite dealing with a catastrophic weather event in the middle of its season, the Montreat men's cross country team didn't allow Hurricane Helene to permanently halt its 2024 campaign. Not only did the Cavs return to competition, but they also excelled in several big moments.
 
Montreat finished as runner-up at the AAC Cross Country Championships, picking up four all-conference nods in the process. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers bagged a 21^st-place finish at the NAIA Cross Country Championships in Columbia, Mo. There, senior Ethan Stamey achieved the top individual placement by a Montreat men's cross country runner at the national meet. Stamey ended 16^th out of 326 finishers, capturing his program-best third NAIA All-American award as a result.
 
Away from the course, Montreat did its best to serve the community. Working numerous service projects, the Cavs immersed themselves in the hurricane recovery efforts. One of the squad's opportunities involved picking up trash and debris along Vance Avenue in Black Mountain, N.C. Another service trip included working with Bounty & Soul, a non-profit organization that "nourishes families, supports local farms and provides vital health and wellness resources." The Cavaliers hosted one middle school and two track & field meets as well.
 
Academically, Montreat notched five Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors and 11 spots on the AAC All-Academic Team.
 
To view the official 2024-25 AAC Men's Team of Character release, click here.