GETTYSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall men's cross country team placed seventh at the Centennial Conference Championship that was hosted by Gettysburg on Saturday morning. The Diplomats saw four of their top five finishers post a career best individual finish at the championship meet.

Leading the team to the line were three sophomores, headlined by Zach Houff crossing the finish in 26:25.7 to place 38th in his second conference championship race. The second through fifth finishers on F&M's team all came across in a tight pack that included Sean Gorman (27:36.3) and Addison Neuen (27:42.7).

Neuen joined juniors George Williams (27:50.1) and Aiden Cotter (27:54.5) in recording the best individual finish of their careers at the conference championship. All five of the Diplomats' scoring runners finished amongst the top 70 in the championship field.

Brian Mix (28:24.7) set a new personal best on the 8,000 meter course during his championship debut. Cole Smith (29:01.6) was the team's seventh runner while Harvey Li finished in a time of 30:42.1 in his first championship event.

Franklin & Marshall now has two weeks to get ready for the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships which will be held in Newville, Pa. on Saturday, November 15. That regional meet will be where spots to the NCAA Division III National Championships are the line.