CEDARVILLE, Ohio - Evan Thayer ran to a third-place finish to pace the host Yellow Jackets to a runner-up showing in the NCCAA Championship at the Elvin R. King Cross Country Course.

Thayer, who won the race in 2009, was clocked in 25:41 for the 8,000 meters to garner a spot on the All-America team (Top 15 finishers). He was joined on the squad by Ryan Gustafson, who was 12th in 26:22.

Malone was its 21st team title with 25 points while the Yellow Jackets were second with 66. Rounding out the top five were California Baptist (82), Spring Arbor (141), and Trinity Christian (193).

Josiah Bragg narrowly missed All-America honors placing 16th in 26:40. He was followed by Jacob Walter (17th; 26:41), Joseph Cathey (18th; 26:42), Jacob Dubie (22nd; 26:52), and Joe Niemiec (34th; 27:22).

Thayer and Bragg were named NCCAA Scholar-Athletes which includes juniors and seniors, who maintain a minimum 3.40 cumulative grade point average. Thayer was also presented the Wheeler Award which recognizes outstanding Christian character, academic excellence, and athletic performance.

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