COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Webster University men's cross country team placed fifth Friday evening in the 8K at the Larry Young Invitational at Gans Creek Cross Country Course.

The Gorloks finished with 172 points, placing fifth among 10 teams. Ethan Nieroda led Webster with an 18th-place finish, crossing the finish line in 27:47.6.

Simon Muthemba followed in 22nd at 28:12.4, while Brayden Halter placed 48th in 29:52.8. Gabe Feaman finished 67th at 31:43.2 and Tyler Mooney was 68th at 31:48.6 to round out Webster's scoring five.

Johnny Imboden finished 80th in 33:47.7, followed by Jacob Hawkins in 85th at 35:38.9.

"The team raced hard today. We saw consistent and steady improvement from last week and continue to trend in the right direction. I'm very happy with how we've started the season," said Webster head coach Kyle Robinson.

Columbia won the team competition with 23 points, followed by Truman with 64 and Park University with 86.

The Gorloks return to action Friday, Sept. 18, at the Billiken Invitational at Quail Creek Golf Club in St. Louis.