KEARNEY, Neb. – University of Central Missouri Mules cross country placed fifth out of 11 teams at the 2021 MIAA Cross Country Championships at Kearney Country Club Saturday, Oct. 23.

The Mules totaled 131 points and posted a team time of 2:09:33 in the 8K race.

Pittsburg State claimed the team title with 44 points and a time of 2:04:48, while Missouri Southern was second with 66 points and a time of 2:05:45. Northwest Missouri wrapped up the top-three in third with 94 points and a time of 2:07:34.

Senior Alex Kirk and freshman Bryan O'Barr both had top-20 performances, leading Central Missouri, with Kirk finishing 15th at 25:18.64 and O'Barr 19th at 25:25.02. Both runners earned Second Team All-MIAA accolades for their performances.

Senior Aaron Westhoff also posted a top-50 showing, placing 37th with a time of 26:25.15, rounding out the UCM top finishers.

Missouri Southern's Ryan Riddle ran 24:28.42 to claim the individual conference championship.

The Mules are slated to run in the NCAA Central Region Championship Saturday, Nov. 6, in Joplin, Mo.