ROCK HILL, S.C. - Appalachian State men's cross country walked away from Rock Hill, S.C. as the team champion of the 24th Annual Asics-Winthrop Invitational in its first 8k race of the season.

The Mountaineers ran an outstanding race with placing five of seven runners in the top 10. The team dominated the eight-team field by only scoring 23 points; Furman came in second with 55.

Junior Sean Soderman captured the individual crown with a time of 24:38.91, just missing a personal best by less than a second. Will Raby finished third in a personal best of 25:10.66. Senior Brandon Hudgins (25:38.87) and sophomore Alex Taylor (25:43.06) also recorded personal bests while placing seventh and ninth overall.

Nick Kelly closely followed Taylor to round out the team scoring with a tenth place finish in a time of 25:43.89.

Appalchian takes a week off from meets as it prepares for the Paul Short Run in Bethlehem, Pa. on October 1.