BOONE, N.C. -- Issac Benz finished second of 86 runners to lead Appalachian State men's cross country at the season opening Covered Bridge Open on Friday.
The Mountaineers finished second of nine teams with 49 points. Florida State claimed first place with 28 points.
Benz crossed the finish line in 25:06.28, finishing eight seconds shy of Kasey Knevelbaard of Florida State, who finished first in 24:58.48.
App State also claimed three other spots in the top-12.
George Hotelling finished seventh in 25:53.01,
Ryan Brown was ninth in 25:59.17 and
Oliver Wilson-Cook finished 11th with a time of 26:08.22.
Ben Cignarale recorded a 20th place finish in 26:28.21 and
Michael Flanagan was right behind in 21st in 26:29.19.
The Mountaineers will take some time off and will compete again on Sept. 21 as hosts of the Mountain to Seas Open. The men's 8K race is slated to begin at 9:45 a.m.
Team Standings
1. Florida State, 28;
2. Appalachian State, 49; 3. East Carolina, 90; 4. High Point, 96; 5. ETSU, 98; 6. UNC Asheville, 137; 7. USC Upstate, 195; 8. Western Carolina, 230; 9. Spartanburg Methodist, 288