The Fontbonne University Men’s Cross Country team made history this past weekend winning their first-ever team championship trophy. Fontbonne took home first place at Saturday’s St. Louis College of Pharmacy Invitational Meet held at Forest Park. This is just the second year Fontbonne has had a men’s cross country program.

At this weekend’s meet, Fontbonne beat out Blackburn College, Brescia University, Illinois College, Maryville University, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, the University of Dallas, and Webster University. Twice this year Fontbonne had captured runner-up honors at meets hosted by Maryville University and Central Methodist University.Freshman Zach Kassman (Northwest H.S.) led paced the Griffins by finishing in 5th place overall in the meet. Right behind Kassman was freshmen Everett Jackson (University City H.S.) who finished in 6th place overall in the meet. Senior Phil Yates (St. Dominic H.S.) ran the best race of his college career, and solidified the team championship, as he passed numerous runners in the race’s last half mile to claim 8th place overall.

The remaining Fontbonne runners formed a tight pack which insured the victory. Freshman Nathan Uding (Ste. Genevieve H.S.), sophomore Andre Stephens (Forest City H.S.) and freshman Antonio Jones (Forest City H. S.) finish in 12th 13th and 14th places respectively.

The Griffins hope to use Saturday’s fine performances as a spring board for continued improvement as they head into the most critical part of their schedule. This Saturday, the team will compete in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Meet held in Hillsboro, IL. On November 10th, the Griffins will travel to Oshkosh, WI to participate in the NCAA Midwest Regional Meet.