Eastern Michigan Athletics
Monday, March 15
Stillwater, Okla.
1:40 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
NCAA Championships
Andy Payne Finishes Season at NCAA Cross Country Championships
3/15/2021 11:22:00 AM | Men's XC, Women's XC
The junior finished 172nd at the 10K title race
Complete Results
STILLWATER, Okla. (EMUEagles.com) - Eastern Michigan University junior harrier Andy Payne (Worthington, Ohio-Thomas Worthington) wrapped up the cross country season at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, Monday, March 15, in Stillwater, Okla. The Ohio native put his athleticism on full display as Eastern's sole runner, as he battled the best of the best on Oklahoma State University's hilly 10K course.
In the men's title race, Payne crossed the finish line in 32:26 to grab spot No. 172 in his national race debut. Payne started in the back of the pack early, but made up substantial ground for the remainder of the course. At one point, the Worthington, Ohio product sat in 247th, but persevered to move up 75 spots by the end of the race.
"I know that Andy is disappointed with his finish but he battled hard the entire race and gained some valuable experience," said Director/Head Coach Sue Parks. "It was a brutal course and Andy wasn't feeling particularly on today. I know that getting a shot at competing at the national level will motivate him for the future."
Now, Payne and the rest of the Eastern Michigan track & field team will turn its attention to the outdoor track and field season. The outdoor meet schedule will be made available in the coming days.
For updates on all things Eastern Michigan cross country and track and field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram, @EMUXC_TF, and Twitter, @EMUXC_TF.
Men's 10K Race Results
172. Andy Payne 32:36.0
STILLWATER, Okla. (EMUEagles.com) - Eastern Michigan University junior harrier Andy Payne (Worthington, Ohio-Thomas Worthington) wrapped up the cross country season at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, Monday, March 15, in Stillwater, Okla. The Ohio native put his athleticism on full display as Eastern's sole runner, as he battled the best of the best on Oklahoma State University's hilly 10K course.
In the men's title race, Payne crossed the finish line in 32:26 to grab spot No. 172 in his national race debut. Payne started in the back of the pack early, but made up substantial ground for the remainder of the course. At one point, the Worthington, Ohio product sat in 247th, but persevered to move up 75 spots by the end of the race.
"I know that Andy is disappointed with his finish but he battled hard the entire race and gained some valuable experience," said Director/Head Coach Sue Parks. "It was a brutal course and Andy wasn't feeling particularly on today. I know that getting a shot at competing at the national level will motivate him for the future."
Now, Payne and the rest of the Eastern Michigan track & field team will turn its attention to the outdoor track and field season. The outdoor meet schedule will be made available in the coming days.
For updates on all things Eastern Michigan cross country and track and field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram, @EMUXC_TF, and Twitter, @EMUXC_TF.
Men's 10K Race Results
172. Andy Payne 32:36.0
Players Mentioned
/ Men's XC
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