SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The University of Mount Olive men's cross country team placed 17th overall and recorded the highest team finish among Division II programs at the Upstate Invite on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Milliken Arboretum.

Competing in a stacked field of 37 teams featuring numerous Division I programs, including Duke, Furman, Davidson and Coastal Carolina, the Trojans finished with 552 points and a combined time of 2:12:50 in the men's 8K.

Artem Meltsaiev led the Trojans, finishing 83rd overall with a time of 25:41.2. Kevin Gyurka followed in 112th place in 26:13.3, while Leo Powell finished 133rd with a time of 26:25.1.

Ayden Thompson crossed the line in 152nd place in 26:43.9, and Deacon Parker finished 222nd in 27:47.1. Titus Tanui recorded a time of 28:31.7, while Benjamin Bailey rounded out the Mount Olive finishers in 29:45.9.

The Upstate Invite provided the Trojans with valuable experience against a deep field of Division I and Division II competition as Mount Olive continues its 2026 campaign and prepares for the postseason.

The Trojans finish out the season at Upstate as they prepare for the 2026 Conference Carolinas Cross Country Championships on Nov. 7 in Spartanburg, S.C. at the Milken Research Park.