From ECU Sports Info.
Teri LaJeunese, Sports Information Director
MONTICELLO, ARK. – The East Central University men’s cross country team claimed their fourth Great American Championship in five years and the second straight, with the 2015 GAC title at the course hosted by Arkansas-Monticello.
The Tigers scored 24 points, with Harding the next team with 41. Senior Will Baldwin was the individual champion and named the GAC Runner of the Year, finishing in 24:18.34. Senior Juan-Joel Pacheco was second in 24:47.71 and earned All-GAC First Team honors.
Junior Bruce Bragg was sixth (25:27.54), freshman Cole Montgomery was seventh (25:29.62) and junior Adrian Guevara was eighth (25:42.99), with all earning All-GAC First Team honors.
Montgomery was also the first freshman from the field to cross the finish line, earning the GAC Freshman of the Year title.
Head coach Steve Sawyer was also honored as the GAC Coach of the Year for the second-straight season.
ECU was also represented by freshman Larry Filer (23rd – 26:39.70), sophomore Conrad Carbaugh (27th – 26:55.06), junior Noel Figueroa (34th – 27:19.99), junior Tyler Baxter (43rd – 27:46.68) and sophomore Caleb Biles (52nd – 28:43.37).
The Tigers will now get ready for the NCAA Central Regional in Joplin, Mo., Saturday, Nov. 7. The race will be hosted by Missouri Southern State, who will also host the NCAA Championship, Saturday, Nov. 2