The Blackburn College men’s cross country team opened their season in Elsah, Illinois, at the Principia Season Opener on Friday, September 1. The team was one of five that competed in the 6k race on a mild afternoon at the North Farm Cross Country Facility. Blackburn was joined by two SLIAC teams, host Principia and Westminster in the meet. The Beavers finished in fifth place overall behind conference opponents host Principia (third place), and Westminster College (fourth place).

Team captain and Senior, Luis Alvarado, was the top finisher for Blackburn taking 26th place with a time of 25:21 (running at a 6:48 mile pace). Freshman Ulises Espinoza ended up 2nd for the Beavers with a time of 35:27 (9:30 mile pace), followed by teammates Gregory Naumann (38:03) and Collyn Oberkfell (38:07). Junior, Marco Nova, rounded out the scoring for Blackburn, finishing at 40:32.

The Men’s Cross Country team is set for their next meet, which will be today, Friday, September 8, when they travel to Springfield, Illinois, to compete at the 8th Annual Prairie Star Invitational.