Fayette, Mo. – The Central Methodist University men's cross country team took part in their second meet of the 2016 season on Saturday, when the Eagles hosted the annual Gary Stoner Invitational at the Fayette Golf Course.

"I was very happy with the guys' aggression today," said CMU Director of Cross Country Mark Nelson. "I challenged them to get out hard, so we could find some things out about each guy. They were able to do that today and took a few chances. This is the time of the year, when we need to take chances like that."

Overall as a team, Central Methodist placed third behind William Woods University and Benedictine College. Elliot Knernschield (FR/Jefferson City, Mo.) finished in fifth place, with a team best time of 20:53.12. Michael Neeley (JR/Kansas City, Mo.) finished in seventh place, with a little over 21 minutes in total time. Jan Steinmueller (FR/Mannheim, Germany), Ryan Bennett (FR/Eldon, Mo.), Joseph Bruemmer (FR/Jefferson City, Mo.), and Doug Hutcherson (SR/Clinton, Mo.) all finished in the Top-20 for CMU on Saturday.

Saturday's race was a season long for Central Methodist, as it was a 6k run.

The Eagles return to competition next Saturday, when they travel south to Joplin, Missouri for the Southern Stampede.

For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.