COLLEGE STATION, Texas – St. Edward's men's cross country ran at full strength for the first time this season at the Texas A&M Invitational, with all five top finishers setting new personal records. Sophomore ARLO GONZALES led the Hilltoppers in the 8K.

"The guys worked really well together early on," head coach Chase Rathke said. "They split up in the middle, but the more we get used to each other and the expectations of what we're trying to do, the easier it will be. They're doing very well, and I'm excited for them. Arlo and AJ led the way, and almost everyone set personal records."

Gonzales and senior AJ PENA, both competing for the first time this season after sitting out the opener, set the early pace for St. Edward's. The two traded spots through the first half of the race before Gonzales pulled away late to finish 43rd overall in 25:11.7, nine seconds ahead of Pena, who placed 48th in 25:20.5.

"It was a good run for us, but we're not where we want to be just yet," Gonzales said. "AJ and I were just a few seconds off. Parker was with us for about three miles before his back started hurting, and our fourth and fifth guys stepped up and closed the gap a decent amount. We're all shaping up, but still not peaking yet."

Behind the lead pair, MELECIO ORTIZ clocked 25:52.4 for 71st, followed by PARKER STEVENS in 76th at 26:01.3. Freshman DYLAN MCCOY capped the Hilltoppers' top five with a time of 26:22.3.

St. Edward's now turns its focus to the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Saturday, Oct. 4.