COLUMBIA, Mo. — It took all 8,000 meters, but the Harding men's cross-country team executed a patient and powerful climb Friday at the Gans Creek Classic, moving from outside the top 10 early on to secure a second-place finish.

The Bisons, competing in the 8K race hosted by the University of Missouri, finished second out of 20 teams with a total of 85 points. Indian Wesleyan took the team title with 72 points. This marked the first time Harding's men's team has competed in a cross-country meet in Columbia, Mo.

Harding's success was defined by its incredibly tight scoring unit. All five of the team's scoring runners crossed the finish line within a span of just 22.8 seconds.

Junior Ryan McCarn led the charge for the Bisons for the second straight race this season, finishing 25th overall (12 team points) with a time of 25 minutes, 34.2 seconds. McCarn was immediately followed by junior Noah Haileab, who finished 26th (13 points) in 25:35.6.

Senior Nate Perry was the third scorer, crossing the line 30th (17 points) in 25:47.2. Sophomore Oren Arthun took 35th place (21 points) in 25:56.6, and junior Aidan Bailey rounded out the scoring pack, finishing 37th (22 points) in a career-best 8K time of 25:56.9.

The Bisons' final standing was the result of consistent movement forward throughout the course. The team was in 11th place after the first 1,000 meters and continued to steadily improve its position, reaching sixth place by 3,000 meters and finally settling into second place after the 7,000-meter mark, where they remained through the finish.

This was Harding's second cross-country meet of the season; they won their home meet on Sept. 12. The Bisons' next action is Oct. 11 at the Lewis Crossover in Romeoville, Illinois.