COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Pittsburg State University men's cross country team pulled away down the stretch to claim the 2023 MIAA Championship Friday (Oct. 5) at Gans Creek Cross Country Course.

The Gorillas placed four runners among the top 20 individuals as Matthew Oglesby finished fifth, Mason Strader placed sixth, Braden Zaner finished 15th and Dylan Sprecker crossed the line 19th. Oglesby was timed in 24 minutes, 27.85 seconds in the eight-kilometer race, while Strader finished in 24:31.81. Zaner and Sprecker were clocked in 24:58.39 and 25:08.94, respectively. Oglesby and Strader earned All-MIAA honors by placing in the top 10 in the race, while Zaner and Sprecker garnered honorable mention All-MIAA honors with their top 20 finishes.

Pitt State compiled 67 points to claim the program's second all-time MIAA crown and the school's second title in three years. Washburn placed three runners in the top 20 and finished second with 82 points.

WU's David Kibet claimed the individual title with a fast time of 24:00.92.

Travis Sickles finished 22nd overall for the Gorillas in 25:16.70 to complete Pitt State's scored runners in the field.

The Pitt State men claimed the program's first ever MIAA title in 2021. The Gorillas placed third overall last year.