SPARTANBURG, S.C.-- Paul Deaton knows that for his team to compete at a high level, they need to chase the best competition in the country. Unafraid of a challenge, the Berry Vikings cross country team traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina for the Division III Pre-Nationals on Saturday morning. Facing off with four of the country's top-30 teams, according to the NCAA DIII Men's Cross Country National Coaches' Poll, the Vikings proved they belong in the mix, placing eighth out of 13 in a challenging field.

Berry accumulated a score of 199 for an eighth-place finish. Facing off against conference foes, the Vikings topped both Oglethorpe University and Centre College. Centre placed in ninth with a score of 224. Oglethorpe chased the Colonels for a 10th place finish at 246. In first place, No. 6 North Central College earned a low score of 59. In second, No. 17 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps notched a team score of 63.
Deaton shared that he believes this was a productive meet for his group. "The competition was stellar," Deaton said. "Our team responded well. This was a great experience for us and a good competitive result."

Berry's Keenan Smith had the breakout performance of his young career this morning. Smith, a standout freshman, led the Vikings all morning. With a time of 25:28.9, Smith finished in 19th between two nationally ranked competitors. 

T Harris clocked another low score for the Vikings. In a field of 132, Harris acquired a time of 25:39.8 for a 24th place finish. Troy Blackwood's health comeback journey continues to inspire, as he clocked a 26:11.8 in the 8K to place 37th in just his third meet back since injury.

Brooks Johnson and McKinley Chappel rounded out the scoring for the white singlets on Saturday morning. Finishing in 65th and 69th, respectively, Johnson clocked a time of 27:06.5 with Chappel just behind him at 27:10.2. 

The Vikings will lace up for the Berry Meet on October 4th at their home course in Mount Berry, Georgia. The gun is set to go off at 9:00 a.m.