MOUNT BERRY, Ga.-- The Berry men's cross country team opened competition at the Clara Bowl for the second annual Berry Equal Distance Meet on Saturday. Led by a first-place finish from Troy Blackwood, the Vikings secured a commanding victory over two Georgia teams.

The Vikings claimed the top three podium spots to lock in a strong team score, finishing with just 21 points on their home course. Morehouse earned runner-up honors with 67 points, while Clark Atlanta followed with 103.

Blackwood and Keenan Smith battled stride for stride in the final 100 meters. Smith briefly pulled ahead, only for Blackwood to surge back in front. Using his veteran composure, Blackwood created just enough separation—three steps—to claim the lead. At the line, the two shared a moment of sportsmanship, finishing in 27:09 and 27:12, respectively.

Just ten seconds later, T. Harris came through for a third-place finish. Not far behind, senior McKinley Chappell crossed next for Berry, taking seventh in 28:11. Freshman Quincy Anderson rounded out Berry's scoring effort, crossing the line in 28:20 for eighth place.

The Vikings will be idle for two weeks before traveling to Spartenburg, SC for the DIII Pre-Nationals USC Upstate Meet. The official start time will be announced in the coming weeks.