The Master’s University men’s cross country team continued its 2017 campaign with an outstanding showing at its annual home event, the TMU XC Invitational.

The Mustangs, who rank 10th in the NAIA, finished first overall in the men’s 8k open with a collective time of 2:11:16.

Leading TMU’s performance was Skyler Mikesell as the senior placed second overall in 25 minutes and 18.1 seconds. Close behind was Stephen Pacheco as the sophomore ran the 8k in 25:41.2 and finished in fourth-place.

Joshua Nunez placed 14th overall with a time of 26:17.1, while Andrew Orona finished in 21st-place at 26:36.7. Notably Tim Gutierrez placed 35th overall at 27:23.0.

Elsewhere, John Bandstra finished Saturday’s 8k with a final time of 27:35.2, Justin Harris clocked an overall time of 28:00.7, Keylan Meneses recorded an overall time of 28:33.9, and Kevin Pacheco earned a respectable time of 29:13.0.

“I was happy with a breakout performance by Skyler Mikesell,” said TMU Head Coach Zach Schroeder. “He ran a fantastic race, earned a top-10 individual spot, and lead the men’s team to victory in the open division.

“My guys fought hard to narrowly edge out Westmont. They really stepped up to fill key roles as Wes Methum went down mid-race with a sprained ankle. We also sat out Alec Franco due to a sore calf. With these two back in our lineup, we should continue to post improved team times and really compete at the national level,” Schroeder said.

Here are all the results.

Next up for the Mustangs is the Vanguard Invitational on October 14 at the Irvine Regional Park in Orange.