The Louisburg College men's cross country team traveled to Greenville on Saturday to compete in the East Carolina Invitational, a meet featuring top NCAA Division I programs including East Carolina, Davidson, Norfolk State, Campbell, College of Charleston, High Point, UNC Wilmington, and NC State.

The Hurricanes proved they could compete at a high level, with five athletes turning in standout performances. Two runners set new personal bests, two achieved season bests, and another came within seconds of his career mark.

Derrick Harris led the team with a season-best 26:15 over the 8K course, followed closely by Alex Dempsey, who recorded his second-fastest career time at 26:24. Christian Ortiz impressed with a personal-best 26:46, making a decisive move on a downhill stretch to pass five competitors. Rounding out the scoring were Brandon Miller with a season-best 28:52, and Brennan Stillion, who clocked a personal-best 29:47.

"I am extremely happy and excited for each of the men that ran today," said Head Coach Marshall Leonard. "They competed at a high level against top-tier competition, and instead of being intimidated, they stepped up and ran extremely hard. That effort resulted in personal and season bests. Racing against competition like this prepares us for success at the national championships by building confidence and experience."

The Hurricanes will return to competition on Friday, October 10, at the Queens Invitational in Charlotte, the final regular-season meet before the postseason.