GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Montreat College men's cross country team opened its 2026 season on Friday night in South Carolina at the Bruins XC Night Classic, hosted by Bob Jones University. The Cavaliers placed fourth among 12 teams in the 6k race, which featured several NCAA Division II programs.
Montreat tallied 121 team points, finishing 25 points ahead of King University and just four points behind NCAA Division I Presbyterian College. Converse University claimed the team title, edging Mars Hill University by two points.
Newcomer Angel Cruz led the Cavs in his collegiate debut, securing fourth place out of 111 finishers with a time of 19:48.8. Elijah Eppley followed in 16th at 20:34.9, while senior Hunter Smathers took 29th in 21:00.7. Ronald Way and Johann Brink rounded out Montreat's scoring five, placing 33rd and 46th, respectively. Way crossed the line in 21:04.9, while Brink posted a time of 21:44.2.
Two additional freshmen also competed for the Cavaliers. Conner Ford placed 59th in 22:07.6 to begin his Montreat career, and Luke Nickless finished 75th with a time of 23:01.7.
For full results from the Bruins XC Night Classic, click here.
Montreat returns to action on Sept. 25 for the Tryon Collegiate Cross Country Showcase in Mill Spring, N.C. The men's race is set to take place at 6:40 p.m.
