KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Following an impressive first-place victory at the 48th Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational, the Eastern Oregon University men’s cross-country team ranks No. 5 in the latest National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ poll.

A points system based on votes from a panel of head coaches representing NAIA’s conferences and unaffiliated groupings determines the rankings. Indiana Wesleyan retain its top position with 16 first-place votes. Eastern Oregon moved up three spots, EOU Athletics reported.

The competition Sept. 30 was a historic moment for the team as it outpaced 24 other NAIA and NCAA institutions, with a total of 244 runners, to clinch its first victory at the Willamette Invitational.

“This marked a significant milestone as the team has participated in this event for 48 years,” EOU reported.

Leading the charge for Eastern Oregon was Justin Ash, who placed ninth overall with a commendable time of 24:38 in the 8K. He was closely followed by Hunter Nichols and Cristian Mendoza, who finished 15th and 17th. The collective performance of the team, including significant contributions from Thomas Ogden and Winston Telford, was crucial in securing the win.

“It is nice to see the guys continue to be rewarded for all their efforts,” according to head coach Ben Welch. “After last week’s historic win in Salem, we expected to move up a spot or two, so No. 5 is a pleasant spot to land this week. To be top five is no easy task, especially as it means we are thriving in the deepest conference in the NAIA for men’s cross-country.”

In addition to the better ranking, the Cascade Collegiate Conference announced the team was the Co-Under Armour Team of the Week for Sept. 25 – Oct. 1.

The NAIA also recognized the Eastern women’s cross-county team, receiving 123 votes and just falling outside the Top 25.

“After a weekend that saw seven of the nine ladies run lifetime bests, we knew it would be close,” Welch said in a press release. “That’s OK, they continue to be motivated and focused and they are training very well, so hopefully being just outside the top 25 will add even more fuel to their fire.”

The Eastern Oregon University men’s cross-country team competes next on Oct. 14 in Estacada at Lewis and Clark College.