TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Christopher Boyd led the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's cross country team Saturday with a strong performance in the 8-kilometer open race at the Indiana State University John McNichols Invitational.

Boyd completed the challenging LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in 27 minutes, 5.4 seconds, placing 55th overall and earning the 34th scoring position. He passed the 3K checkpoint in 9:48.2 and remained SMWC's front-runner throughout the race.

The Pomeroys finished 13th in a competitive 15-team field with 348 points. The race featured NCAA Division I programs and several nationally ranked teams, with BYU capturing the team championship with 35 points.

Jayden Hickenbotham was the second SMWC runner across the finish line, placing 128th overall in 29:44.1. Hickenbotham reached the 3K mark in 10:50.2 and passed 5K in 18:30.6.

Cooper Miles followed in 135th place with a time of 30:08.7. Miles recorded splits of 11:01.7 at 3K and 18:48.3 at 5K.

Nathan Odle finished 145th in 30:37.1 after crossing the 3K checkpoint in 10:51.0 and the 5K mark in 18:46.1. James Frye completed the Pomeroys' five-man scoring lineup, placing 155th in 30:59.4.

Tyreese Brannon was close behind Frye, finishing 158th in 31:15.0. Ethan DeHamer followed in 166th with a time of 31:47.1, while Corbin Ramirez-Jacquez placed 170th in 32:05.7.

Elijah Williams completed the SMWC lineup with a time of 33:13.0, placing 180th.

The Pomeroys finished ahead of Indianapolis and Anderson and were five points behind No. 18 Rio Grande in the team standings.

SMWC will return to action at the Nike XC Town Twilight Meet at 6:40 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course.