CHARLOTTE, N.C.— The Montreat College men's cross country team made the shortest trip of the year Friday evening to compete in the Queen City Invite, hosted by Queens University of Charlotte. A total of 21 teams ran in the event, combining for over 230 student-athletes. Multiple NCAA Division I programs were also in attendance, providing strong competition for the Cavaliers.
 
Altogether, Montreat scored 212 points, earning seventh place. One spot ahead of the Cavs was USC Upstate with 202 points. The Cavaliers beat out Emory University as they finished with 215 points.
 
Newcomer Ronald Way and returner Ryan Stade galloped across the line consecutively for Montreat. Way finished 16^th with a time of 24:55.80. Stade was right behind in 17^th, clocking an effort of 24:57.09.
 
Philip Riddle and Brock Lauer finished in 57^th and 61^st, respectively. Riddle completed the 8k in 25:53.74. Lauer ran for a time of 25:59.54.
 
Hunter Smathers and freshman Elijah Eppley were the next finishers for the Cavs. Smathers' time of 27:09.11 was good enough for 126^th place. Eppley finalized his race in 134^th with a 27:14.26. Matthew Morin rounded out Montreat with a placement of 159^th after his time of 27:54.98.
 
"Our men had a good showing today," said head coach Rylan Hincher. "We beat some solid teams while we're in the middle of a hard training block. This crew should be really good in November when it counts."
 
For a complete look at the results from the Queen City Invite, click here.
 
The Cavaliers will next travel to Louisville, Ky. for the Live in Lou Classic, one of the largest cross country meets in the nation. The race is scheduled for Oct. 4. The start time is yet to be announced.