BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College men's track & field team turned in a strong showing at the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Outdoor Track & Field Championships this past Thursday through Saturday, finishing third overall out of 12 scoring programs. With 25 entries across 16 events, the Cavaliers produced six event champions along with eight All-Conference performances.
The Cavs recorded 17 scoring performances across three days, totaling 105 points to secure a third-place finish, ending behind Truett McConnell University and 2.5 points ahead of Reinhardt University. Milligan University claimed the team title with 190.5 points.
Following a scoreless opening day, Montreat found its breakthrough behind Ryan Stade, who captured the 10k title in 31:26.64. Brock Lauer added an All-Conference performance with a third-place finish, crossing in 32:42.34.
Drew Bryant impressed in the decathlon, recording four event victories across the competition. He secured the individual title with a winning total of 6,098 points.
In the 1500m, Nathan Cremin captured the individual title and All-League honors, taking first in a 16-runner field with a time of 3:59.09. Close behind, Hugo Petat-Hemono posted a personal-best 4:00.71 to finish as conference runner-up.
The final day began with the 3000m steeplechase, where Petat-Hemono secured the event title and All-AAC recognition in 9:48.79.
Cremin carried his momentum into Saturday, winning the 800m in a meet-record 1:49.19. The Limerick, Ireland native cleared the NAIA 'A' standard for the second time this season, recording the third-fastest mark in the association while still holding the top time. The Gardner-Webb University transfer also earned AAC Newcomer of the Year honors for his efforts throughout the meet.
In the 5000m, Stade capped a standout weekend by setting a meet record to secure his second individual title of the meet with a time of 14:37.82.
For full results from the 2026 AAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, click here.
The Cavaliers will have nearly two weeks off before returning to action on May 9 at the Lee University Last Chance meet in Cleveland, Tenn.
